Anxiety CAMHS

Problem

Anxiety: anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder in children

Description

Anxiety is a normal and common part of childhood. In most cases, anxiety in children is temporary, and may be triggered by a specific stressful event e.g. young child may experience separation anxiety when starting school.

In some cases, anxiety in children can be persistent and intense, interfering with a child’s daily routines and activities.

Anxiety disorders include phobias, general anxiety, panic or persistent unexplained physical symptoms, e.g. headache or stomach-ache.

Attachment disorders may also present with anxiety symptoms which may include refusal to partake in daily activities, such as school.

Referral Pathway

Children who show persistent or severe symptoms of anxiety, which interferes with daily function, should be referred to CAMHS.

Specialist services should be involved:

Where the child’s development or level of functioning has been seriously affected or there has been a sudden deterioration
Where it appears to be out of proportion to the family circumstances
Where there is a significant impact on the parent / carer / child relationship-please describe in referral.

CAMHS will not accept referrals for school truancy only and referrers should consult with education in the first instance. Schools and education departments have their own protocol/resources (e.g. inclusion support workers, educational psychologists and behavioural support services) which will need to be exhausted prior to referral.

Where a child is experiencing severe physical symptoms, initial referral to a paediatrician is recommended