Children and adolescents rarely articulate anxiety by saying, "I feel anxious." Instead, pediatric anxiety frequently manifests as physical complaints, behavioral defiance, separation distress, or intense resistance to attending school.
1. How Anxiety Presents in Children & Teens
Depending on developmental stage, anxiety can take various forms:
- Young Children: Clinginess, nighttime fears, regression in milestones, tantrums before transitions.
- Preadolescents: Perfectionism, catastrophic "what if" questioning, excessive reassurance seeking.
- Teens: Irritability, social avoidance, sleep disruption, drop in academic performance, digital withdrawal.
2. Understanding School Refusal & Avoidance
School refusal is not simple truancy—it is an overwhelming panic response triggered by social evaluation, test anxiety, bullying, or separation from parents. A multi-disciplinary clinical approach works with schools, parents, and therapists to create gradual re-entry plans.
3. Somatic Symptoms: Stomachaches & Headaches
The gut-brain axis is highly active in children. Unexplained morning stomachaches, nausea, or tension headaches that resolve on weekends are classic somatic indicators of stress and generalized anxiety.
4. Pediatric Treatment: Therapy & Gentle Pharmacology
Treatment combines evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), parent coaching, and, when indicated for severe impairments, FDA-approved pediatric medications under the close care of a child and adolescent psychiatrist.
5. Empowering Families in North Texas
Learn more about our pediatric clinical team on our Clinical Team Page or explore our Anxiety Care Services.