Anxiety in Kids and Teens 101

Available with English captions.

Experiencing anxiety is a natural part of growing up, and there’s no question that kids and teens face many very real reasons to feel anxious. Typically, they learn to navigate those feelings. But when anxiety persists and becomes seemingly unmanageable, it can impact schoolwork, relationships, and even development.

So what should parents, teachers, and other adults know about recognizing unhealthy anxiety in children and adolescents? How can they best support a young person who is struggling? And when is professional help advised?

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Audience Questions

Lisa W. Coyne, PhD, provides an overview of childhood anxiety, explains what sets it apart from anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions, and offers practical strategies for helping kids and teens feel less anxious.

  • What is anxiety and how does it differ from fear and stress?
  • What does anxiety typically look like in kids and teens?
  • At what point does typical childhood anxiety become problematic? How do you know?
  • What do we know about the causes of anxiety? Is there a genetic component?
  • What are some common sources of anxiety for kids and teens?
  • What is the distinction between obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and an anxiety disorder?
  • How common are anxiety disorders?
  • How are different disorders teased apart diagnostically? Who makes these diagnoses?
  • Is there a positive trend line in awareness and ability to diagnose anxiety disorders for kids and teens?
  • What are some anxiety red flags that caregivers and adults can watch for in children?
  • What does self-awareness of anxiety look like in children? How might they articulate the anxiety they’re experiencing?
  • What is the gold standard anxiety treatment for kids and teens?
  • What are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP)? How are they different? How do they fit together?
  • Are CBT and ERP used in the treatment of both anxiety disorders and OCD?
  • How can caregivers find therapists trained to treat children with anxiety disorders?
  • What are the different levels of care when it comes to treatment for anxiety in kids and teens?
  • What should we know about medication as a part of treatment for anxiety?
  • How should education systems play a role in helping students with anxiety?
  • Where can people turn for additional resources?
  • What can successful treatment look like?

The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.

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About Dr. Coyne

Lisa W. Coyne, PhD, is an assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry, part-time, at Harvard Medical School, and a senior clinical consultant at McLean Hospital. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and an internationally recognized acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer. Dr. Coyne is the author of “The Joy of Parenting: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Guide to Effective Parenting in the Early Years,” a book for parents of young children.

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