Human Growth and Development

Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders are a class of mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, and related physical symptoms that can make daily life difficult for children or adolescents. These disorders are surprisingly common, affecting millions of youth in the United States alone. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in preventing long-term problems. Developmental Considerations ●​ Anxiety disorders can look different depending on the child’s age and developmental stage. ＞ ​ Younger children may show anxiety through physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches. ＞ ​ Older children and adolescents may be able to explain their worries and fears more clearly. ●​ The types of anxiety can also change as children grow. ＞ ​ Separation anxiety is common in toddlers, but usually decreases as they get older. ＞ ​ Social anxiety tends to develop during adolescence. Common Types of Anxiety Disorders in Youth ●​ Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Children and adolescents with GAD experience excessive worry and anxiety about a variety of everyday things, often with no clear reason. They may worry excessively about school performance, upcoming social events, or their health. ●​ Specific Phobias: Intense fears of specific objects or situations are also common in children and adolescents. Examples include phobias (fear) of animals, needles, thunderstorms, or specific school environments. Mood Disorders Mood disorders affect a person’s emotions in a major way. Within this section, we will focus on major depressive disorder (MDD), persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), and bipolar disorder. It's important to note that suicide risk is different for each of these disorders. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) MDD (aka depression or unipolar depression) is a common and serious mental health condition that negatively affects mood, thoughts, and behavior . It is treatable with therapy and medication.

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