Common anxiety reactions in children and adolescents include separation anxiety disorder and OCD. Separation anxiety often develops after a life stress such as a change in school or a family member’s illness. It can look like distress when separated from home or a caregiver, worry that a caregiver will be harmed, fear of being alone, and physical complaints such as stomachaches.
OCD is characterized by repetitive behaviors such as checking and ordering, often performed to reduce stress or prevent something bad from happening. Learning relaxation skills and challenging unhelpful thoughts are useful in reducing anxiety symptoms.