Index IntroductionAnxiety disorders in childrenCausesTypes, symptoms and treatmentsSeparation anxiety disorderSpecific phobiasSelective mutismPanic disorderSocial anxiety disorderObsessive-compulsive disorderPost-traumatic stress disorder/ Acute Distress DisorderGeneralized Anxiety DisorderImplications for the Child ProfessionConclusionIntroduction"Only one in five Canadians under the age of twelve with an anxiety disorder receives adequate treatment" (Butler & Pang, 2014). Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health conditions, with between 15% and 25% of young Canadians suffering from some type of anxiety disorder before the age of nineteen. Some of these include separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, most children suffering from these conditions do not receive treatment because they show symptoms different from those seen in adults. If left untreated, it can severely impact a child's success in school and social activities, as well as lead to more severe cases of anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders later in life. This article will outline the symptoms present in children with anxiety disorders, the negative impacts they can have if left untreated, and ways to recognize and provide appropriate treatment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Anxiety Disorders in Children “An anxiety disorder is a common mental illness defined by feelings of unease, worry, and fear. Although anxiety occurs in everyone at some time, a person with an anxiety disorder experiences an inappropriate amount of anxiety more often than is reasonable” (Tracy, 2019). Anxiety disorders are relatively new to the medical landscape, having only been officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980. Although they have been present throughout history, medical professionals typically gave a blanket diagnosis to individuals suffering from these disorders , due to the lack of understanding around them. With the increase in media, knowledge about these disorders is becoming more widespread and in return more research is being conducted and the search for more effective treatments. Often, people who suffer from anxiety disorders also suffer from other mental illnesses such as depression, which can lead to an increased risk of suicide. Anxiety disorders are commonly present in children, however they often go unnoticed and ultimately go untreated. This is likely due to the lack of specialized training for pediatricians in youth mental health conditions. Additionally, children typically exhibit different symptoms than adults with anxiety disorders, making it even more difficult to correctly recognize them. One of the biggest differences is that children typically do not report any feelings or symptoms they may have related to anxiety disorders, leaving it up to professionals to recognize and provide necessary treatments. “Therefore, early recognition of these disorders in children and adolescents can make a significant difference in outcomes through improvements in various areas of functioning” (Riedford, 2010). It is important that professionals have a good understanding of each type of anxiety disorder so that it can be properly recognized and treated to prevent possible interference it can have on the child later in life.Causes“The three main components of development and The evolution of Anxiety disorders are environmental, genetic and neurohormonal. It is important that pediatriciansrecognize and explore each of these components” (Kelly, 2005). There are numerous causes for the onset of anxiety disorders in children, such as traumatic events, genetic factors and hormonal imbalance. Traumatic situations and severe stressors can lead a child to develop an anxiety disorder, often post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies have shown that half of children with an anxiety disorder have a family member who has it. This is typically considered and examined when diagnosing obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Neurohormonal imbalances have also been examined and considered to play a role in the development of anxiety disorders. Types, Symptoms, and Treatments There are several different types of anxiety disorders, each with their own different symptoms and recommended treatment. Children can typically experience a range of anxiety disorders, from separation anxiety disorder, to specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder. Each of these can inhibit a child's life, especially if left unchecked. As Bober and Martin share: Many of these disorders share a common thread and represent a developmental condition characterized by high levels of fear and apprehension. Despite the similarities of these different disorders, advances in neuroscience will likely continue to help differentiate their unique symptom profiles and associated characteristics. (Bober & Martin, 2006) Although each of these conditions has common symptoms consisting of feelings of apprehension and fear, they differ from each other in the presentation of other symptoms and require specific treatments. This highlights the importance of understanding each form of anxiety disorder so that it can be properly recognized. Separation Anxiety Disorder Children who suffer from separation anxiety disorder are often reluctant to leave family members, such as parents, and make it difficult for caregivers to leave. Typically these children find reasons for not going to school, such as waking up in the morning feeling sick even though they felt fine the night before. A common treatment for separation anxiety disorder is for the child and family to take part in behavioral programs, which gives positive feedback and reinforcement to the child for enduring long periods of time away from the people who care for him or her. . Forms of therapy are also often used, along with the use of Prozac for short-term treatments. Specific Phobias Specific phobias are classified based on an extreme fear or negative reaction towards a certain object or situation. The fear is typically persistent, and people who suffer from it may not have a reason for their fear. Phobias make up a large part of the most common anxiety disorders. Treatment of specific phobias usually involves gradually exposing the child to his or her fear or phobia; by desensitizing the child from his fear, he slowly begins to become more comfortable and tolerant. Selective mutism Children with selective mutism often do not speak in unfamiliar social settings, despite having no difficulties with language. These children are generally able to speak at home and in the presence of familiar people, but will become quiet when in a new environment and in the presence of new individuals. Behavioral therapy is most commonly used to treat selective mutism and appears effective, while the use of Prozac is often recommended, proving to be quite effective. Panic Disorder Panic disorder was once thought to be rare in children, however studies have shown that it affects 0.5% to 5% of children in communities and