Specific Phobia in Children
All kids have certain items or situations that make them uneasy or fearful, but most are nevertheless able to carry out daily activities without incident. In contrast, kids with specific phobias continually avoid specific situations or objects due to intense irrational fears, and the avoidance and distress consequently disrupt their lives in considerable ways.
Common things which children sometimes have phobic anxiety of include:
- Animals or insects
- Heights
- Darkness
- Thunder storms
- Loud noises
- Clowns or other costumed characters
- Injections or blood tests
- Various modes of transportation, including flying, subways, buses, trains, or cars
- Small or enclosed places
- Elevators
- Doctor or dentist visits
If these symptoms seem relevant to you or your child, we can help. Feel free to contact us by calling our main desk at (212) 246-5740.
The Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CUCARD) provides evidence-based treatments for all of the anxiety disorders that can afflict children, including:
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Specific Phobia
- Panic Disorder with and without Agoraphobia
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
- Disruptive Behaviour Disorders.
- We also specialize in the treatment of Selective Mutism, Trichotillomania and Mood Disorders.