Pediatria pre prax 3/2025
Anxiety and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
Anxiety can be a natural emotional response, but when it exceeds a tolerable level, it can become pathological. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders in children and adolescents. They often significantly disrupt their lives and can lead to deterioration of social relationships, academic performance, and overall functioning. They are associated with psychological and physical symptoms. Pathological anxiety at this age is an important predictor of mental health problems in adulthood. It is linked to the risk of later occurrence of anxiety disorders, but also of affective disorders such as depression. The diagnosis of anxiety disorders in children is primarily based on clinical interviews and history-taking. It often requires the use of psychodiagnostic tools and additional, complementary examinations. As part of differential diagnosis, we must also rule out other possible causes, such as somatic conditions or psychiatric comorbidities. Chronic inflammatory diseases such as bronchial asthma, oncological diseases such as pheochromocytoma, or endocrine disorders can also present as states of anxiety. The treatment of primary anxiety disorders relies on psychotherapy and in indicated cases pharmacotherapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy is considered the gold standard among psychotherapeutic approaches. A positive prognosis for children with anxiety disorders is based on early provision of help, interdisciplinary cooperation, and supportive parental involvement.
Keywords: anxiety, phobia, fear, anxiolysis, child psychiatry
