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If the anxiety is within what is generally expected when a child is under stress, there is no reason to expect that an anxiety disorder will develop. So-called ‘normal reactions’ upset the child, but important areas of function are not seriously affected, or if there is significant functional disturbance, it does not affect every important area of the child’s adjustment. Even when children have excessive reactions to stress, the majority will not have anxiety disorders later on.

Rachel G. Klein, Ph.D.
Scientific Council Member
1995 NARSAD Distinguished Investigator Grantee
2004 Ruane Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Research
Professsor of Psychiatry, New York University Child Study Center