A–Z Glossary

Anxiety disorder

A mental health condition involving excessive, persistent worry or fear that causes significant distress or interferes with everyday functioning.

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Health anxiety and constant worry about the baby

Health anxiety and constant worry about the baby

What health anxiety looks like when the baby becomes the focus Health anxiety is more than ordinary concern. It is a pattern of persistent fear that a normal bodily sensation means serious illness or harm. In pregnancy, the feared target is often the baby: a cramp, a quieter afternoon, or a change in movement may […]

Common myths about child problems

Common myths about child problems

Myth 1: Children are too young to have real mental health problems One of the most persistent myths is that childhood protects a child from mental health conditions. In reality, anxiety disorders, depressive symptoms, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, trauma-related symptoms, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism-related difficulties, eating concerns, and disruptive behavior disorders can all become apparent during childhood. The […]

Helping children who avoid new experiences

Helping children who avoid new experiences

Understanding avoidance without blame A child who avoids new experiences is not simply being difficult. Avoidance is a biologically understandable strategy: when the brain detects threat or uncertainty, the autonomic nervous system may shift toward fight, flight, freeze, or appease responses. In children, this can look like hiding behind a caregiver, refusing to enter a […]

When anxiety becomes a problem

When anxiety becomes a problem

Normal anxiety has a purpose Anxiety is a coordinated neurobiological response involving the autonomic nervous system, stress hormones, attention networks, and threat appraisal. In practical terms, it can produce a racing heart, faster breathing, muscle tension, vigilance, and a strong urge to escape or seek reassurance. This response is uncomfortable, but not inherently harmful. Developmental […]