Kids who have separation anxiety that lasts past an early age most likely will develop anxiety

Kids with OCD and specificity about toys develop anxiety 

Stressful events such as starting school, moving, or the loss of a parent or grandparent can trigger the onset of an anxiety disorder, 

Children with GAD tend to be very hard on themselves and they strive for perfection. These children may also seek constant approval or reassurance from others, even when they appear not to have any worries. 

If your child has generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, he or she will worry excessively about a variety of things, which may include but are not limited to these issues: • Family problems • Relationships with peers • Natural disasters • Health • Grades • Performance in sports • Punctuality

Agoraphobia can develop when children begin to avoid situations and places in which they had a previous panic attack or fear they would be unable to escape if experiencing an attack. Refusing to go to school is the most common manifestation of agoraphobia in kids. 

Panic disorder is diagnosed if your child suffers at least two unexpected panic or anxiety attacks—which means they come on suddenly and for no reason—followed by at least one month of concern over having another attack, losing control, or “going crazy.” A panic attack includes at least four of the following symptoms: • Feeling of imminent danger or doom • The need to escape • Rapid heartbeat • Sweating • Trembling • Shortness of breath or a smothering feeling • Feeling of choking • Chest pain or discomfort • Nausea or abdominal discomfort • Dizziness or lightheadedness • Sense of things being unreal, depersonalization • Fear of losing control or “going crazy” • Fear of dying • Tingling sensations • Chills or hot flushes

Taking your child to a doctor for a mental health problem is as important as visiting a doctor for an ear infection or broken arm. Finding a health professional that you and your child can work with—and who makes you both feel comfortable—is critical. Anxiety disorders in children are treatable, and they can be treated by a wide range of mental health professionals who have training in scientifically proven treatments. Psychiatrists and nurse practitioners can prescribe medication. Psychologists, social workers, and counselors are more likely to have training in CBT and other talk therapies. 

Like other medical conditions, anxiety disorders tend to be chronic unless properly treated. Most kids find that they need professional guidance to successfully manage and overcome their anxiety. And while family support is important to the recovery process, it is not the cure.