Child Anxiety
Child anxiety refers to excessive worry, fear, or nervousness in children and adolescents that goes beyond typical developmental fears and interferes with daily life.
Definition
Anxiety in children can take many forms — generalized worry, separation anxiety, social fears, and phobias. Some fears are a normal part of development; anxiety becomes a concern when it is intense, persistent, and impairing. Parent- and self-report screens (SCARED, Preschool Anxiety Scale) help identify areas of concern.
What it can feel like
- Frequent worry about many everyday things.
- Avoiding school, activities, or social situations.
- Physical complaints like stomachaches before stressful events.
- Difficulty separating from caregivers.
Related screening tests on LuriaLab
Related glossary terms
Veelgestelde vragen
How do I know if my child's anxiety is a problem?
Consider it a concern when anxiety is frequent, intense, and interferes with school, friendships, or family life. A screen can help you describe it to a professional.
Who completes child anxiety screens?
Depending on the tool and age, either the child (self-report) or a parent completes the questionnaire. LuriaLab offers both formats.
Sources
- Birmaher B, et al. Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED)
- Spence SH. Preschool Anxiety Scale
Last reviewed: 2026-07-02. Screening tools on LuriaLab are for education only and do not provide a diagnosis.