Date

Dear Medical/Health Reporter:

Everyone worries sometimes, but there are some people, even children, who just cannot stop or ignore their worries. An estimated 5-20% of all children have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental health problem children and their families face.

Anxiety is a normal, natural emotion. Children of any age have worries, but when the worries and fears do not go away, are inappropriate for their age, and stop children from engaging in their usual activities in the usual way, an anxiety disorder may be present. The anxiety can be about separation, something catastrophic happening, failing, being judged, or it can be experienced in social situations. Sometimes children may not even know what makes them anxious and their symptoms may look like illnesses (stomachaches, headaches) or learning problems (low grades, poor concentration). Youngsters who have an anxiety disorder may behave in ways to control or avoid a situation that makes them anxious or they may engage in behaviors to seek attention.

Anxiety disorders can be caused by biological and/or situational factors. With the help of a psychologist, it is important to identify how intense the symptoms are, how long the problem has persisted, and to aid the child in learning ways to manage the anxiety. Everyone must learn to live with a certain amount of anxiety. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are highly treatable.

As a service to your community, the American Psychological Association's (APA) Psychologists in Independent Practice would like to offer a psychologist in your area to speak with you on this topic. He/She would be able to discuss the difference between routine worries and anxiety that interferes with home life, academic performance, or peer relationships and how parents can help their children.

APA's Psychologists in Independent Practice represents independent psychologists, each of whom is a doctoral level professional licensed by his or her particular state. When you need to talk to someone who can help, you need an experienced, licensed psychologist.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,
Kelly Cunningham (703) 548-1291

March 6, 2002

Dear Public Service Director,

Everyone worries sometimes, but there are some people, even children, who just cannot stop or ignore their worries. An estimated 5-20% of all children have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental health problem children and their families face.

Anxiety is a normal, natural emotion. Children of any age have worries, but when the worries and fears do not go away, are inappropriate for their age, and stop children from engaging in their usual activities in the usual way, an anxiety disorder may be present. The anxiety can be about separation, something catastrophic happening, failing, being judged, or it can be experienced in social situations. Sometimes children may not even know what makes them anxious and their symptoms may look like illnesses (stomachaches, headaches) or learning problems (low grades, poor concentration). Youngsters who have an anxiety disorder may behave in ways to control or avoid a situation that makes them anxious or they may engage in behaviors to seek attention.

Anxiety disorders can be caused by biological and/or situational factors. With the help of a psychologist, it is important to identify how intense the symptoms are, how long the problem has persisted, and to aid the child in learning ways to manage the anxiety. Everyone must learn to live with a certain amount of anxiety. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are highly treatable.

Here is a PSA. Please air it this month. If you would like to invite a local psychologist to talk with your listeners about this subject, please contact me to coordinate an interview. He/She would be able to discuss the difference between routine worries and anxiety that interferes with home life, academic performance, or peer relationships and how parents can help their children.

APA's Psychologists in Independent Practice represents independent psychologists, each of whom is a doctoral level professional licensed by his or her particular state. When you need to talk to someone who can help, you need an experienced, licensed psychologist.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

PSA 45 seconds

Everyone worries sometimes, but there are some people, even children, who cannot stop worrying. An estimated 5-20% of all children have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental health problem children face. Anxiety is a normal, natural emotion. Children of any age have worries, but when the worries and fears do not go away, are inappropriate for their age, and stop children from engaging in their usual activities in the usual way, an anxiety disorder may be present. It is important to talk to a psychologist who can make the correct diagnosis. Psychologists can explain the difference between routine worries and anxiety that interferes with home life, academic performance, or peer relationships. They can explain how to help the child manage the anxiety.

Psychologists are experts at helping people find their way through life's difficulties. For a free copy of "Choosing a Psychologist," phone toll free 1-877-603-4000.