Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of psychological problems which are characterised by excessive fear and avoidance of certain situations or objects. They are common in both children and adults, affecting 1 in 12 individuals. Successful psychological treatment is now available for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.
Symptoms of anxiety include:

• Pounding or racing heart.


• Shortness of breath.


• Feeling sick.


• Sweating.


• Trembling or shaking.

As well as:

• Fearfulness.


• Avoidance of feared objects or places (often with tears) For example: children can avoid school or social occasions because of their anxiety.


• Sleep disturbances.

Recognising Anxiety

If your child seems to be overly scared or clingy about certain things then it is possible that he/she has an anxiety problem. Childhood anxiety problems can involve:

• Fear of separation (from parent).


• Fear of animals, the dark, water or heights.


• Fear and avoidance of social situations.


• Fear of experiencing physical anxiety symptoms.


• Fear that something bad might happen.


• Obsessional thoughts and compulsive behaviours.


• Excessive worry about a number of issues.


• fear and distress following a traumatic event.

What can be done?

Children and adolescents can be taught skills to help them prevent and manage anxiety. If you feel that your child might have a problem with anxiety .

Phone: (02) 4629-5400

Between 9am and 4pm weekdays, and ask to speak to the Child and Adolescent Intake Worker.

We are a free service providing assessment and treatment of child and adolescent anxiety problems.

Copyright © 2001 Macarthur Health Service Website Administrator: Domenico Santucci