The Child Anxiety Study is led by Dr. Ned Kalin, Hedberg Professor and Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry. The study will use a MRI brain scan to collect information about brain structure and function in children with anxiety and/or depression. Researchers hope to better understand how to detect early risk for the development of these problems. This area of research is particularly important because significant anxiety earlier in life may be a risk factor for adult anxiety.

Anxiety disorders affect one in eight children. Research shows that untreated children with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance abuse. In addition to the psychological suffering and disability associated with childhood anxiety disorders, children with anxiety have an increased risk to develop more complex anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse as adults.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common type of childhood anxiety. A child suffering from GAD will worry excessively about things like grades, family issues, relationships with others, and performance in sports. Children with GAD are often very hard on themselves and strive for perfection. They may seek constant approval or reassurance from others.

“It's normal for kids to be nervous every once in awhile, but when it interferes with their daily life, with school, friends, and family, then you should consider it a problem,” says Dr. Ned Kalin. Dr. Kalin adds, “if your child worries more and is more shy than other children his or her age, then it is possible that he or she may suffer from anxiety.”

Treatment for anxiety in children can include medication but typically the first line of treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a well-established, highly effective, and lasting form of treatment. It focuses on identifying, understanding, and changing thinking and behavior patterns. Benefits are usually seen in 12 to 16 weeks, depending on the individual.