anxiety disorder of childhood

An emotional or mental disturbance found in youngsters from infancy through adolescence characterized by excessive fear; apprehension; nervousness; and often such symptoms as trembling, faints, nausea, choking, headaches, and overall tension. These symptoms occur even though there is no directly related cause or threat in the environment. Specific types of anxiety disorders in childhood or adolescence include separation anxiety disorder of childhood, avoidant disorder of childhood, and overanxious disorder of childhood. This term is no longer used as an official diagnosis.