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Pediatric Specific Phobias

Key Points About Phobias in Children

  • A phobia is an excessive fear of an object or situation. It lasts for at least six months.
  • Common phobias are a fear of animals, insects, blood, heights or flying.
  • Some things that may put a child at risk for a phobia include shyness, a traumatic event in early childhood or mental health issues in family members.
  • Symptoms include increased heart rate, sweating, shaking, a feeling of choking and upset stomach.
  • A mental health provider can diagnose a phobia.
  • Treatment may include therapy and medicines.
Children's Team

Children's Team

Providers

Lilia Mucka Andrew

Lilia Andrew

Director, Research in Anxiety Disorders Program
Psychologist
Mi-Young Ryee

Mi-Young Ryee

Co-Director, Anxiety Disorders Program
Psychologist
Ayman Saleh

Ayman Saleh

Medical Director, Ambulatory Psychiatry and Takoma Theatre Outpatient Clinic
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr. Laura Willing

Laura Willing

Co-Director, Anxiety Disorders Program
DCMAP Children's National Hospital Site Lead
Associate Program Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Departments

Departments

Anxiety Disorders Program

The Anxiety Disorders Program at Children's National Hospital is a specialized treatment clinic devoted to carefully assessing and effectively treating a wide range of anxiety disorders common among children and adolescents.