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Types of anxiety
When fear and worry become too much
We diagnose and treat all types of anxiety disorders.
Childhood fears of the dark or strangers are normal. But if your child’s fears are extreme or keep them from everyday activities, UW Health Kids specialists can help. Anxiety occurs when fear or worries overwhelm your child or change their behavior.
Types of anxiety
Agoraphobia
Your child tries to avoid open or public places and events that make them worry.
Generalized anxiety
Uncontrolled, extreme worry about activities or situations.
Panic attacks
Intense anxiety and terror in response to a fear. Your child might worry about another panic attack or avoid activities where a panic attack occurred.
Phobias
Excessive fears of specific situations or things, such as dogs.
Selective mutism
Your child does not speak in certain situations, like at school.
Separation anxiety
Extreme fear of being separated from parents or other trusted adults.
Social anxiety
Fear of social situations and feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness.
Substance induced anxiety
Intense anxiety caused by medicines, misusing drugs or withdrawal.
Symptoms
Signs your child might be struggling with anxiety
Anxiety symptoms differ for each child. Watch for these common behaviors.
It can be tough to pinpoint anxiety. Over time, you might notice patterns, like a frequent stomach ache before school. Or you might get reports of perfect behavior from a classroom teacher but deal with meltdowns outside of school.
Symptoms of anxiety can include:
Avoidance of school, other activities
Being a perfectionist
Controlling behaviors
Dizziness
Excessive worrying
Fatigue
Headaches
Racing heartbeat
Restlessness
Stomach aches
Sweating
Tantrums
Trouble sleeping
Treatments
Helping kids cope with anxiety
We provide the help your child needs to manage and overcome their fears. We find the right treatment for your child’s anxiety. Treatment could include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (talk therapy)
Family therapy
Group therapy
Individual therapy
Inpatient care
Medicines
Parent coaching and training
Partial hospitalization psychiatric care
Relaxation and coping strategies
Stress management
UW Health Kids
Our pediatric experts have served the special needs of children for more than 100 years. We focus on each child’s unique needs and offer social and emotional support to help you and your child face even the most complex condition. Our long history includes the creation of medical advances that save lives around the world. Together, we get your child back to health and enjoying being a kid.
Meet our team
Expert pediatric anxiety care
The UW Health Kids anxiety care team includes pediatric experts in behavioral health, psychiatry and psychology.
Pediatric psychiatry
Pediatric psychology
Behavioral health
Locations
Find the care your family needs
We provide anxiety care at UW Health clinics in Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Patient support services
Learn how to support your child
We can help you learn how to recognize anxiety and help your child manage their fears and worries.
Anxiety support resources for parents
Anxiety in children
UW Health’s Dr. Marcia Slattery discusses anxiety in children on Wisconsin Public Radio’s Larry Meiller Show.
Normal childhood fears
Learn the difference between normal fears and anxiety in children. Read more
