Prepubescent children often suffer from anxiety attacks.
But there is a difference.
The attacks in this age group are largely misjudged by the parents and doctors.
Many don't receive treatment of any kind until they are at least 10 years old.
Childhood fear of the dark, anxiety over toilet training, fear of pain - all are considered by many to be a typical part of childhood, and as such, generally ignored.
Parents need to be aware that all children do suffer these things occasionally; continual fears of this type, however, should be investigated.
Recent studies suggest that many of these children will develop chronic anxiety attacks by adulthood.
Adults who suffer from chronic anxiety and mood disorders are likely to have suffered when children.
The reasons change as the person matures, but the condition remains.
For instance, fear of the dark in a child can lead to depression as an adult.
Anxiety as a child that stems from painful bowel movements (defecation anxiety) often develops into a generalized anxiety in adulthood.
There are existing treatments for the children, both pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic, that work very well, but only if the need for treatment is recognized.
Cognitive behavioral therapy tends to work wonders in children and the results usually stay with the child throughout their lifetime.
Unreasonable fears can be caused by a variety of disorders as proven by researchers.
These fears can develop in childhood, and when they do, they can become almost debilitating as adulthood is reached.
We need to remain aware of the frequency and severity of the anxiety our children feel.