Anxiety is a natural physiological and psychological response to certain stressful situations. Normally, anxiety is part of the body’s alarm system, alerting a person to danger or providing extra energy to help accomplish a task. However, some children experience excessive anxiety that may indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder or another mental health condition.

Anxiety causes symptoms such as racing pulse, sweating, dry mouth, tremors and stomach upset. Children who are anxious may worry about situations before they even occur and may feel a general fear about the well-being of family and friends. They may worry about potential problems at school or when engaged in activities. Severe anxiety can interfere with a child’s ability to live a productive life.

A single stressful event can trigger temporary anxiety in a child. The cause of long-term anxiety is often more difficult to trace. Family difficulties – such as marital strain, financial problems, parental alcoholism or illness of a family member – may create an atmosphere of tension that breeds long-term anxiety. Genetic factors may also play a role.