Anxiety Disorders in Young Children: Phenomenology, Identification, and Diagnosis.

This article focuses on the identification and assessment of anxiety disorders in children younger than six years old, highlighting that these disorders are common yet often under-diagnosed in early childhood. It emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention to prevent later psychological difficulties, recommending a multimethod assessment approach that includes behavioral observations, caregiver interviews, and parent-report questionnaires. The article discusses diagnostic challenges such as differentiating anxiety symptoms from temperamental traits and the high rates of comorbidity, while also outlining screening tools like the Brief Infant-Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) for early identification. It concludes that routine screening combined with detailed evaluations can improve diagnosis and access to evidence-based treatments for young children with anxiety disorders.