Anxiety is a common mental health concern in children (aged between 8-12 years old), with 7% of Australian children receiving a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder each year. [1]
Anxiety is a leading cause of total disease burden [2] and when left untreated, can lead to long-lasting emotional, social, and financial costs to children, their families, and society. [3] [4] [5] [6]
Although it is important to access support to manage anxiety, only 1 in 5 children with anxiety disorders access effective treatments. [7]
Many families experience challenges when attempting to connect with support services and wait times to see a psychologist in Australia can range between 6 to 12 months.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety in children
Anxiety is a spectrum that runs from general worry to severe and debilitating symptoms. Occasional anxiety does not interfere with everyday functioning and can be helpful, for example, by motivating a child to work towards a goal.
Read more: Understanding anxiety in children
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