Childhood Anxiety: Diagnosis and Treatment in Lahore
Assessment and evidence-based treatment for anxiety in children, including generalised anxiety, specific fears, and excessive worry.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in childhood, often presenting through physical complaints, avoidance, or behavioural changes rather than the child directly expressing worry, making careful assessment important.
Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar provides thorough, child-friendly assessment and effective, evidence-based treatment for childhood anxiety, working closely with families throughout.
How Anxiety Presents in Children
- Excessive worry about school, health, family, or everyday events
- Physical symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches, or nausea, particularly before school or feared events
- Avoidance of specific situations, places, or activities
- Difficulty separating from parents beyond what is expected for age
- Irritability, tantrums, or meltdowns linked to underlying anxiety
Treatment
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy adapted for children is highly effective, helping the child gradually face feared situations while building coping skills.
Parents play an essential role in treatment, learning how to support their child without inadvertently reinforcing avoidance through excessive accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child's worry is a problem or normal?
Worry becomes a concern when it is excessive, persistent, and significantly interferes with daily activities, sleep, or school attendance, warranting assessment.
Should I avoid situations that make my child anxious?
While accommodation feels caring in the moment, consistently avoiding feared situations can reinforce anxiety long-term; therapy helps families find a supportive, gradual approach instead.
Expert Care
Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar provides effective, compassionate treatment for childhood anxiety, helping children build confidence and resilience.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual psychiatric assessment.
Common signs & symptoms
- Excessive worry about various aspects of daily life
- Physical complaints such as stomach aches or headaches
- Difficulty separating from caregivers
- Avoidance of feared situations
- Difficulty sleeping due to worry
- Irritability or meltdowns linked to anxiety
- Seeking frequent reassurance
Treatment approach
- → Child-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- → Parent guidance on managing anxiety supportively
- → Gradual exposure to feared situations
- → Relaxation and coping skills training
- → Medication for more significant or persistent anxiety
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my child's worry is a problem or normal?
Worry becomes a concern when it is excessive, persistent, and significantly interferes with daily activities, sleep, or school attendance, warranting assessment.
Should I avoid situations that make my child anxious?
While accommodation feels caring in the moment, consistently avoiding feared situations can reinforce anxiety long-term; therapy helps families find a supportive, gradual approach instead.