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This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about health-related issues that need to be addressed in childhood in order to pave the way for a healthy adult life. Previously, we discussed how important it is to treat childhood anxiety disorders. But how do you know if your child has a problem?

Dr. Graham Emslie, a child psychiatrist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says childhood anxiety disorders often go unnoticed because children aren’t able to verbalize concepts such as “worry” or “fear.” These problems may show up as physical complaints, such as stomach aches or headaches. Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry. They may also involve separation anxiety or social phobias. Up to 20 percent of children and teens may have an anxiety disorder. 

Next: Treating anxiety disorders. Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/mentalhealth to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in mental health.

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^{January 2009}