Dr. Courtney Knapp

Child & Adolescent Psychologist Serving Orange County, California

Anxiety

Some anxiety reactions found in children and adolescents include separation anxiety disorder and OCD.  Separation anxiety disorder often develops after a life stress such as a change in school or illness of a family member.  It is characterized by anxiety when the child or adolescent is separated from home or caregiver, worry about caregiver being harmed in some way, fearful of being alone, and physical complaints (ie: stomachaches).  OCD is characterized by repetitive behaviors such as checking and ordering which are often performed to reduce stress or prevent something bad from happening.  Learning relaxation skills and challenging unhelpful thoughts are useful in reducing anxiety symptoms.

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