Your Guide to the Most Common Types of Anxiety Disorders in Children

Anxiety is a normal part of growing up. Most kids will have moments when they feel nervous before a test, shy meeting new people or a little anxious before something exciting. But when anxiety starts to show up often and gets in the way of a child’s daily life, it might be more than typical nerves or growing pains.

This guide will walk you through some of the most common types of anxiety disorders (and related experiences) in children, how they might show up, and what to keep in mind as a parent or caregiver.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

What it is: Children with GAD experience persistent and excessive worries about many different things including school, friends, safety, performance, and those worries can shift from one topic to another.

Common signs: Your child may worry about “getting it right,” have low tolerance for making mistakes, and feel physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches when they are anxious. They might hold themselves to very high standards and feel like they’re never good enough.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

What it is: While it’s normal for kids to want to stay close to parents or caregivers, separation anxiety disorder is when the fear or distress of being apart is more intense than what’s typical for their age.

Common signs: Your child might cry when you leave, cling to you or have meltdowns before a separation. They may be reluctant to sleep alone or even stay in a separate room from you. Leaving their safe zone often feels really dysregulating for your child. It can make school drop-offs, activities, and playdates much harder.

Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety

What it is: Adjustment disorder happens when a child has a heightened emotional reaction to a stressful event or change that causes difficulty with coping, like moving, starting a new school or going through a family transition.

Common signs: Your child may seem more nervous, sad or irritable when faced with the change. They might resist new routines or continue to struggle with the transition long after it begins. The reactions are often dispropritiate to the adjustments that tthey are facing.

Social Anxiety Disorder

What it is: This goes beyond shyness. Social anxiety disorder is often rooted in intense fear in actively participating in social settings. For example, when a child has a strong fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social or performance situations.

Common signs: Your child might avoid speaking in front of the class, skip activities that require interacting with peers or worry for days before a social event. Physical symptoms like sweating, racing heart, or stomachaches can show up in these situations, and they may replay interactions over and over afterwards. Also, your “outgoing child” may ruminate over social events or speaking in public, even if they typically react “well” in social situations.

Worries (not a diagnosis)

What it is: Some children are natural worriers without having a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Their thoughts can feel big and intense, especially when life is stressful. I often explain a worrier as someone who is a deep thinker or often overwhelmed by existential thoughts.

Common signs: Your child may often seek reassurance from you, have trouble letting go of certain worries or get stuck thinking about “what if” scenarios. These patterns can still affect their day-to-day life, even if they don’t meet the criteria for a disorder; however it is important to note that your child can have diagnosable anxiety and still be a worrier too.

Nighttime Anxiety (Not a Diagnosis)

What it is: Some children’s worries peak at night when things are quiet. This can make it hard for them to settle down and fall asleep.

Common signs: Your child might have trouble falling asleep, wake up frequently or need you close by at bedtime. Bedtime is prime time for rumination and yearning for comfort. They might use bedtime as a time to share all their worries at once, leaving them feeling unsettled and you feeling drained.

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Important to Remember

Not every sign of anxiety means your child has a diagnosable disorder. My hope is that this guide aims to help you understand your child more.

Many children go through phases where they worry more or need extra support during transitions. But if anxiety is frequent, intense, and impacting daily life, it may be time to get extra help. You don’t have to wait until your child (or you) hits a breaking point.

Start by talking openly with your child and listening without judgment. You can also reach out to a pediatrician, school counselor or children’s therapist. And if you’re looking for tools you can start using right away, my course Anxious Kids 101 gives parents practical strategies to help kids manage their worries and build confidence.

Anxiety is common, and with the right support, kids can learn skills that help them navigate their feelings and thrive.