Generalized Anxiety in Children & Teens
Persistent worry across school, health and family life
Written by the Inclusive Developmental and Therapy Center therapy team — our Speech & Language Therapist, psychology and ABA staff. Clinical reviewer for this site: Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS (GMC 8023727) · The current version of this page has not been individually signed off by our clinical reviewer.
Generalized anxiety: your next step in Multan
Bring examples of recurring worries, reassurance seeking and disrupted routines. A consultation can help identify an appropriate care pathway.
First consultation: Rs 1,500 · up to 50 minutes. Model Town, Multan · Mon–Fri, 2 PM – 6 PM. Ongoing therapy is planned and priced separately.
Our psychology service works with children and teenagers aged 3–16. We do not prescribe medication or provide emergency psychiatric care.
Contact Muhammad Salman Afzal, clinical and child psychologist, first to confirm the appropriate clinician and service. How fees work.
Generalized anxiety disorder, also written generalised anxiety disorder or GAD, involves persistent worry across different parts of life that is difficult to control. A child may move from concerns about school to family safety, health or making mistakes rather than worry about only one situation.
Repeated “what if” questions are one reason families seek an anxiety consultation. A professional needs to understand the worry, its duration and its effect on daily life. A child can be worried without having GAD, and an internet description should not be used to diagnose them.
For help in Multan, begin with the difficulties you notice: bedtime, schoolwork, reassurance seeking or avoiding everyday activities. The centre can discuss the appropriate psychological consultation and whether medical advice is also needed. Read our broader childhood anxiety guide if you are unsure which description fits.
Patterns to mention during an assessment
- Worries about several topics that keep returning
- Fear of mistakes, uncertainty or disappointing other people
- Restlessness, irritability or trouble concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping or becoming tired while worrying
- Tension or physical discomfort alongside anxiety
What a useful first discussion should cover
- Write down two or three recent worries, the situations in which they appeared and how they changed your child’s day. Bring examples rather than trying to select a diagnosis.
- Tell the clinician about physical symptoms and any medical checks already completed. New or changing symptoms should not automatically be attributed to anxiety.
- Ask how an age-appropriate therapy plan would involve your child and caregivers, what progress would look like, and when the plan would be reviewed.
- Discuss support for sleep and everyday routines alongside professional care. Ask about CBT-based approaches and whether the clinician has appropriate experience; no single approach is promised before assessment.
You do not need to wait until a child meets a diagnostic time threshold to ask for help. If worry is interfering with daily life, contact a qualified professional. Immediate danger or serious self-harm needs emergency help rather than a routine appointment.
What the research tells us
These independent clinical sources inform this guide. They do not certify the centre or confirm which specialist treatments are available here.
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NIMH notes that children and teenagers with GAD may worry about school, friendships, the future, uncertainty and mistakes. Assessment considers the pattern and its impact.
— NIMH — Generalized Anxiety Disorder. View source -
NHS guidance recommends professional help when a child’s anxiety is persistent, worsening or interfering with school, home or social life. Treatment is adapted to the child’s needs.
— NHS — Anxiety disorders in children. View source
Generalized Anxiety: questions parents ask
What is the difference between generalized anxiety and social anxiety?
Generalized worry spans several areas of life. Social anxiety is centred on situations involving possible judgment by other people. They can overlap; an assessment should consider both where relevant.
Do repeated worries mean OCD?
Not automatically. If unwanted thoughts are linked to rituals or actions your child feels driven to perform, mention that pattern and read our OCD guide. Do not decide between the two from a checklist alone.
Will the psychologist give us medicine?
No. Psychologists at the centre do not prescribe medication. Medical concerns and any need for medication should be discussed with a qualified medical clinician.
Do we need a GAD diagnosis before contacting you?
No. Tell the centre your child’s age, the difficulty you have noticed and whether another clinician is already involved. The first conversation is about the appropriate next step.
How do we arrange a consultation in Multan, and what does it cost?
Contact the owner, Muhammad Salman Afzal, to confirm the appropriate clinician and appointment. A first consultation is Rs 1,500 for up to 50 minutes. The centre is in Model Town, Multan, and opens Monday to Friday, 2 PM–6 PM. Ask about ongoing fees and whether an online consultation is suitable before booking.
Ask about generalized anxiety support
A short, friendly conversation is the best first step. Call, text or WhatsApp us — we’ll listen and guide you, with no pressure.
MPS Road, Block A Model Town, Multan (near Bloomfield Hall School, Street No. 2) · Mon–Fri, 2 PM – 6 PM
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