Anxiety
Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Specific Phobias
A specific phobia is defined as the intense, irrational
fear of a specific object, such as a dog, or a situation,
such as flying. Fears of animals, situations and natural
occurrences are common in childhood, and often go away.
A phobia is diagnosed if the fear persists for at least
6 months and interferes with a child's daily routine.
An example of this is a child who refuses to play outdoors
for fear of encountering a dog. Common childhood phobias
include:
| • |
Animals |
| • |
Storms |
| • |
Heights |
| • |
Water |
| • |
Blood |
| • |
The
dark |
| • |
Medical
procedures |
Unlike
adults with specific phobias, children do not usually
recognize that their fear is irrational or out of proportion
to the situation, and they may not articulate their fears.
Children will avoid situations or things that they fear,
or endure them with anxious feelings, which can manifest
as:
| • |
Crying |
| • |
Tantrums |
| • |
Freezing |
| • |
Clinging |
| • |
Avoidance |
| • |
Headache |
| • |
Stomachache |
