Do you suspect your child has anxiety but need to narrow down what it could be coming from?  There are several different type that can manifest in any child or adult.  In this blog post, we will identify and define the types of anxiety you might notice in your child.  If your child has school anxiety, the following identifications might help you figue out where your child is coming from.

  • Generalized.
    • Generalized anxiety is common and essentially occurs when a child worries excessively about different things.  For example, they might worry about school, family, the health and safety of their loved ones, or the future.  Sometimes, physical symptoms are associated with general anxiety such as stomachaches, headaches, excessive sleepiness, or tension in the muscles.
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
    • OCD occurs commonly in adults and children.  Children with OCD have excessive preoccupying thoughts, or obsessions and tend to repeat certain actions (compulsions) to try to relieve their anxiety.
  • Phobias.
    • Phobias are when someone has a huge fear of something specific.  For example, someone that has a phobia might be afraid of being in large crowds or tight spaces. Phobias usually cause people to avoid the things they fear.
  • Social phobia (social anxiety).
    • This is triggered by social situations or speaking in front of others. A less common form, called selective mutism, causes some students to be too fearful to talk at all in certain situations.  Oftentimes, selective mutism is elective and can be triggered by past experiences.


      For more information, visit The Anxiety and Depression Association of America.  If you suspect your child’s education or social life is being hindered by an anxiety or notice them becoming anxious more frequently, contact your family doctor for help and suggestions on getting treatment for your child.For additional information and resources, click the resource guide below.