Anxiety and Fear in Childhood Clinical and Critical Issues

Abstract

Anxiety in childhood is problematic in many arenas. Social anxiety, one thought of as simply “shyness”, does not more than cause a child to have difficulty with peer relations. When anxiety becomes overwhelming, a child will naturally avoid anxietyproducing stimulus. Hence, school refusal may begin. Children with anxiety are often preoccupied with worries about their success in activities and their ability to obtain the approval of others. These children may have persistent thoughts of self-doubt that they are unable control, and they constantly criticize themselves. Children may be preoccupied being on time to events and insist on doing a task “perfectly”. In contrast to the ordinary, occasional worries or fear experienced in childhood, generalized anxiety, persist for at least six months and affects children throughout the day home, at school and with friends.