Childhood anxiety disorders and developmental issues in anxiety
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2026

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Paul Arnold1, S Preeya Banerjee, Rashmi Bhandari
1Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. paul_arnold@camh.net
Abstract:
Anxiety disorders are common disorders in childhood, and developmental differences must be considered when diagnosing and treating patients in this age group. Recent research has illuminated the course of childhood anxiety disorders, including how they can be precursors to continued anxiety and mood problems in adulthood. Recent studies of cognitive-behavioral therapy, the first-line psychosocial treatment for childhood anxiety, have focused on the following issues: the relative efficacy of group versus individual cognitive-behavioral therapy; the role of parent involvement; and the application of specific techniques to certain diagnostic groups (eg, social skills techniques in social phobia). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been associated with high acute response rates in controlled studies of children with anxiety disorders, and more recent evidence suggests they are efficacious and well tolerated when taken for longer periods. This article will review significant diagnostic and developmental issues, and highlight recent studies in psychosocial and pharmacologic therapies of pediatric anxiety disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development
Exploration...
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares often...