A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. See your doctor or a mental health provider before your anxiety gets worse. Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. It's important because many children and teens have high levels of anxiety but they may not show it. This screening is for those who don't have a diagnosis of anxiety disorder. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening children and teens ages 8 to 18 for anxiety. Some of these supplements can interfere with prescription medications or cause dangerous interactions. Herbal and dietary supplements aren't monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way medications are. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Talk with your doctor about benefits, risks and possible side effects of medications. It may take some trial and error to discover which treatments work best for you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Generalized anxiety disorder has symptoms that are similar to panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other types of anxiety, but they're all different conditions. It's possible to develop generalized anxiety disorder as a child or an adult. However, excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that are difficult to control and interfere with day-to-day activities may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder. Also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your anxiety disorders-related health concerns. He or she can check for signs of an underlying medical condition that may need treatment. If your doctor suspects your anxiety may have a medical cause, he or she may order tests to look for signs of a problem. For some people, anxiety may be linked to an underlying health issue. Anxiety disorders He or she may refer you to a mental health professional. You may start by seeing your primary care provider. Several herbal remedies have been studied as a treatment for anxiety, but more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits. It can be an effective treatment for anxiety. Clinical trials Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).For example, you may feel intense worry about your safety or that of your loved ones, or you may have a general sense that something bad is about to happen.Talk with your doctor about benefits, risks and possible side effects of medications.Treatment for child and adolescent anxiety disorders also is available in an intensive format for families not able to spend extended time at Mayo Clinic.It can be an effective treatment for anxiety.Current studies include randomized controlled trials comparing different versions of cognitive behavioral therapy for childhood anxiety disorders and examining the use of technology in providing treatment.Clinic staff thoroughly evaluates the patient and provides diagnosis and treatment recommendations in a time-efficient manner.He or she can check for signs of an underlying medical condition that may need treatment. Your worries may not go away on their own, and they may get worse over time if you don't seek help. Whatever form of anxiety you have, treatment can help. You can have more than one anxiety disorder. Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood. Treatment can be provided in a nine-session format over five days. Follow Mayo Clinic However, you may need to see a mental health specialist if you have severe anxiety. Having an anxiety disorder does more than make you worry. Sometimes anxiety can be a side effect of certain medications. In some cases, anxiety signs and symptoms are the first indicators of a medical illness. Life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medicine management are available on an outpatient basis.With these tools in place, the child and therapist develop a list of situations that cause the child to feel anxious.It's important because many children and teens have high levels of anxiety but they may not show it.Examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias and separation anxiety disorder.A structured diagnostic interview, questionnaires and clinical interviews are used in the evaluation process.Before taking herbal remedies or dietary supplements, talk to your doctor to make sure they're safe for you and won't interact with any medications you take.It's possible to develop generalized anxiety disorder as a child or an adult.You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Symptoms Psychotherapy treatment consists primarily of exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy. Your worries are unlikely to simply go away on their own, and they may actually get worse over time. There may be times when your worries don't completely consume you, but you still feel anxious even when there's no apparent reason. The two main treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medications.This treatment teaches children skills to manage their anxiety and teaches parents to effectively provide support.Living with generalized anxiety disorder can be a long-term challenge.Life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to anxiety.Treatment can be provided in a nine-session format over five days.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders.Your worries are unlikely to simply go away on their own, and they may actually get worse over time.Children and families receiving treatment through the Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Clinic can participate in clinical trials. It's normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially if your life is stressful. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time. Before taking herbal remedies or dietary supplements, talk to your doctor to make sure they're safe for you and won't interact with any medications you take. Care at Mayo Clinic A structured diagnostic interview, questionnaires and clinical interviews are used in the evaluation process. Try to seek professional help before your anxiety becomes severe — it may be easier to treat early on. Worries can shift from one concern to another and may change with time and age. For example, you may feel intense worry about your safety or that of your loved ones, or you may have a general sense that something bad is about to happen. In many cases, it occurs along with other anxiety or mood disorders. This allows for an integrated medical and psychological understanding of the child's symptoms. Clinic staff thoroughly evaluates the patient and provides diagnosis and treatment recommendations in a time-efficient manner. Women are diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder somewhat more often than men are. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms can vary. Living with generalized anxiety disorder can be a long-term challenge. You can have more than one anxiety disorder.Your worries may not go away on their own, and they may get worse over time if you don't seek help.Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood.There may be times when your worries don't completely consume you, but you still feel anxious even when there's no apparent reason.Psychotherapy treatment consists primarily of exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy.It's normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially if your life is stressful.The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening children and teens ages 8 to 18 for anxiety. However, excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that are difficult to control and interfere with day-to-day activities may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder.If your doctor suspects your anxiety may have a medical cause, he or she may order tests to look for signs of a problem.Having an anxiety disorder does more than make you worry.Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms can vary.Herbal and dietary supplements aren't monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way medications are.See your doctor or a mental health provider before your anxiety gets worse.You may start by seeing your primary care provider.Worries can shift from one concern to another and may change with time and age.Women are diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder somewhat more often than men are. With the help of the therapist, the child then gradually faces these fears and learns how to manage those fears. With these tools in place, the child and therapist develop a list of situations that cause the child to feel anxious. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medicine management are available on an outpatient basis. A psychologist and certain other mental health professionals can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Treatment for child and adolescent anxiety disorders also is available in an intensive format for families not able to spend extended time at Mayo Clinic. The clinic is staffed by a clinical child and adolescent psychologist and a psychiatrist who specialize in anxiety disorders. The diagnostic clinic provides a comprehensive, one-day assessment for children and teenagers with heightened anxiety, fears, nervousness and worry. Generalized anxiety disorder often occurs along with other mental health problems, which can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. This allows for an integrated medical and psychological understanding of the child's symptoms.The clinic is staffed by a clinical child and adolescent psychologist and a psychiatrist who specialize in anxiety disorders.You may start by seeing your primary care provider to find out if your anxiety could be related to your physical health.The diagnostic clinic provides a comprehensive, one-day assessment for children and teenagers with heightened anxiety, fears, nervousness and worry.Several herbal remedies have been studied as a treatment for anxiety, but more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits.Try to seek professional help before your anxiety becomes severe — it may be easier to treat early on.Also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms.Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your anxiety disorders-related health concerns.Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Current studies include randomized controlled trials comparing different versions of cognitive behavioral therapy for childhood anxiety disorders and examining the use of technology in providing treatment. The two main treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medications. In most cases, generalized anxiety disorder improves with psychotherapy or medications. While most people with anxiety disorders need psychotherapy or medications to get anxiety under control, lifestyle changes also can make a difference. Psychotherapy In most cases, generalized anxiety disorder improves with psychotherapy or medications.Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time.A psychologist and certain other mental health professionals can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy).This screening is for those who don't have a diagnosis of anxiety disorder.Some of these supplements can interfere with prescription medications or cause dangerous interactions.Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested.To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. The causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully understood. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). Children and families receiving treatment through the Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Clinic can participate in clinical trials. Medical causes Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. You may start by seeing your primary care provider to find out if your anxiety could be related to your physical health. Examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias and separation anxiety disorder. This treatment teaches children skills to manage their anxiety and teaches parents to effectively provide support. Your anxiety, worry or physical symptoms cause you significant distress in social, work or other areas of your life.