Anxiety is a sensation of worry or unease when faced with an anticipated situation or experience.

Almost all people experience anxiety at one time or another.  These feelings are normal when related to temporary events or circumstances.  In fact, low levels of anxiety can actually improve performance on examinations by motivating you to study.  However, if they are unusually intense or occur often then there is cause for concern.

For example, very young children will often react badly if they are left with a babysitter for the first time.  It is also quite normal for children to be afraid of the dark or frightened by a big dog. 

However, if the anxiety becomes severe enough to interfere with the child’s daily activities, making it difficult for them to go to school or make friends, then professional help should be sought.

Children and adolescents can experience different kinds of anxiety disorders and have more than one at the same time.  Anxiety disorders are often found in people with depression.