What they are
Anxiety disorders and phobias in developmental age represent a problem that affects a wide range of children and adolescents.
The most common forms include
- separation anxiety, which often occurs in preschool children
- generalized anxiety disorder, characterized by excessive worries about various aspects of daily life
- social anxiety, where children or adolescents fear judgment from others
These disorders manifest in various forms and intensities, interfering with young people’s emotional, cognitive, and social development.
Specific phobias, such as fear of animals, heights, or particular situations, are also common and can significantly interfere with a child’s or adolescent’s daily life.
Causes
The causes of these disorders are complex and often multifactorial: children exposed to stressful family environments or who have experienced trauma have a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders.
Since anxious children and adolescents often tend to isolate themselves or avoid situations they perceive as threatening, creating a vicious cycle that reinforces anxiety, these disorders can negatively impact academic performance, social skills, and self-esteem.
