![Hydra Logo](/img/logo.webp)
If your child is between ages 8 and 18 years, ask the doctor about screening (testing) for anxiety — even if you don’t see signs of a problem.
Anxiety can affect your child’s mood and interfere with their usual activities — like school or time with family and friends.
The good news is that anxiety can be treated with counseling, medicine, or a combination of both. When you ask your child’s doctor about screening for anxiety, find out what services are available in case your child needs follow-up care.
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and worry. It can be a normal reaction to a stressful situation, like taking a test or starting a new school year. But if anxiety doesn’t go away, becomes overwhelming, or interferes with everyday activities, it may be an anxiety disorder.
There are different types of anxiety disorders that can affect children and teens. For example:
If your child has an anxiety disorder, they may also have headaches, stomachaches, or other types of pain for no clear reason. And they might have trouble sleeping and be very tired during the day.
Keep in mind that some children and teens keep their worries and fears to themselves, which can make it hard to get them the help they need. That’s why it’s so important to have your child screened for anxiety.
To learn more about anxiety in children and teens, check out:
Anyone can have anxiety. It’s not your fault or your child’s fault. Some experiences may make it more likely that a child or teen will develop anxiety. These include experiences like:
The doctor will ask your child questions about their feelings and behaviors. This may include asking how often your child:
Screening for anxiety usually takes about 10 minutes. It can be part of your child’s yearly checkup.
If your child is showing signs of anxiety, the doctor will:
Make sure to include your child when you make any decisions about their treatment.
Take steps to protect your child’s mental health.
Ask the doctor to screen your child for anxiety. If you’re worried about your child, be sure to let the doctor know. Find out what services are available in case your child needs treatment.
Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your child screened for anxiety at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.
Your child may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options for your family.
If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost anxiety screening. Find a health center near you and ask about anxiety screening.
Learn more about:
Keep track of your child’s actions and words that make you think they might have anxiety. If you see a change in your child’s behavior, make a note about the change and when it happened. Include details like:
Share these notes with your child’s doctor. You can also use them to start a conversation with your child. Let your child know what you’ve noticed and ask what they think. Keep in mind that some children may have trouble telling you exactly what’s wrong, or they may not notice these behaviors in themselves.
If your child isn’t ready to talk to you about their feelings, there are still things you can do. Help your child find resources online and in the community. Share these resources with your child:
For kids
For teens
Let your child know that they can get support anonymously (without giving their name) by:
Help your child make a list of other people they can go to with problems or questions — like a teacher, a guidance counselor, or another trusted adult.
Remind your child that you’re always there if they want to talk.