Anxiety is Rising in Children and Adolescents

Article from the Health Section of the Naperville Sun - September 2007

The world we live in today can be stressful and anxiety-producing. Children and adolescents face stressors like fitting in with peers, getting good grades or getting accepted into college. The idea of returning to school can bring on jitters and nervousness. National or global events can impact children's feelings of safety and their outlook on the future. Many children and families feel emotional and physical reactions to these events even if not personally involved. People respond in many different ways to life events.

Life events tend to bring on various levels of stress. Worry and anxiety are natural and normal responses to stress. In fact, we need certain levels of anxiety to prepare for situations like taking a test at school or performing in a job interview. Many children and adolescents are resilient and handle life's stressors by using effective problem solving skills or seeking support. Others struggle with problematic anxiety and cannot manage to function in daily life. An example of a child struggling with problematic anxiety is illustrated below.

Ten year old Tyler became nervous about several situations including academic performance, fitting in with peers and his health. At first his parents thought he would grow out of his worrying. After all, his parents described themselves as worriers and they were functioning quite well. Tyler's parents' concerns grew when their son's occasional fears became constant worry. Tyler was overly particular about his homework assignments and overall academic performance. Additionally, he often analyzed his social performance after peer interactions. Tyler was frequently tense, keyed up, and unrealistic in his thinking. Although he had many friends, he often thought that kids did not like him or were making fun of him. Tyler's grades were outstanding, yet he frequently had fears of academic failure. To make matters worse, Tyler's sleep was disrupted due to bedtime worrying about the day's events. On mornings before going to school, he complained of stomachaches, occasional nausea and lack of appetite. When the family sought help from a professional who specializes in anxiety issues, Tyler and his parents learned that he was struggling with a treatable condition called generalized anxiety disorder.


Problematic anxiety occurs when a child's everyday functioning is impacted. Anxiety disorders cause kids to miss out on or suffer through daily activities, often involving peers, school or family. Children with anxiety disorders often have thoughts that are unrealistic, catastrophic and pessimistic. Red flags for families to pay attention to are the following: anxiety lasting for weeks or months, physical distress (i.e., stomachaches, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), sleep disruption, appetite changes, avoidance, feeling keyed up or on edge, increase in grouchiness, and attention difficulties. Genetics and brain chemistry can also contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. Problematic anxiety includes:

  • generalized anxiety
  • obsessions and compulsions
  • panic
  • post-traumatic stress
  • social anxiety
  • phobias
  • separation anxiety


According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are now the most common mental health disorders to occur in children and adolescents. Research also shows that anxiety is rising on U.S. college campuses. Many college and university students have not learned effective ways to handle stressors.

If your child or adolescent is struggling to function with issues in daily life, you may want to seek professional help from a psychologist. Research shows that therapy can be beneficial for families to learn skills for managing moods, anxiety or social problems. Why continue to suffer when there is effective treatment available?

In the western suburbs, Susan Myket, Ph.D. & Associates is a group psychology practice dedicated to treating children, adolescents and families who struggle with a range of problems including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, attention/concentration difficulties and social issues. Using research-supported therapies, psychologists in this practice provide individual, family or group therapy; parent consultations and psychological assessment. Coordination with physicians and schools occurs as desired.

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The office is located at 1415 Bond Street, Suite 127, Naperville, IL 60563, (630) 355 - 9002 and the website is www.myketandassociates.com.

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