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7 hallmark features of anxiety disorders

November 13, 2019
Mary Beth Nierengarten, MA

Mary Beth Nierengarten is a freelance medical writer with over 25 years of experience. Her work appears regularly in a number of print and online publications.

Affecting between 15% to 20% of children and adolescents, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric condition in pediatrics. The impact can be significant with difficulties in social and academic functioning as well as increased risk for other mental health concerns. However, it can be difficult for a clinician to differentiate between anxiety and an anxiety disorder. Here are 7 signs to help make the diagnosis.

Affecting between 15% to 20% of children and adolescents, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric condition in pediatrics. The impact can be significant with difficulties in social and academic functioning as well as increased risk for other mental health concerns. However, it can be difficult for a clinician to differentiate between anxiety and an anxiety disorder. Here are 7 signs to help make the diagnosis.

Hypervigilance

Reactivity to novel stimuli or changes in stimuli

Heightened sensitivity to a threat

Avoidant coping behavior

Somatic complaints (eg, stomachache and restlessness)

Catastrophic reactions

Parental accommodation (ie, parents enable avoidant behaviors)

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