Stress and Anxiety Disorders in Young Children

This presentation will review the normal stress and worries in childhood, along with risk factors that contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. Presenting features of anxiety disorders including Separation Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Selective Mutism, Obsessive Compulsive Anxiety Disorder, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in children will be discussed. Selective Mutism and early symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder will also be discussed. Attendees will be informed of screening and evaluation tools to assist with early identification of childhood anxiety disorders. Adaptation of evidence informed interventions for childhood anxiety disorders including cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, family therapy and school interventions will be reviewed along with case examples.