Internalizing Problems of Childhood

Heather M. Helm

Internalizing problems of childhood are broadly defined as problems that occur within the child. Children with internalized problems often appear withdrawn, fearful, and shy. Internalized problems are managed within the child rather than being acted out externally in the environment. Beyond differing in their diagnostic criteria, externalizing problems differ from internalizing problems primarily in their expression. However, there is significant evidence that externalizing problems and internalizing problems occur comorbidly. Broadly speaking, the class of internalizing problems in childhood includes depression and anxiety. Subcategories of childhood anxiety disorders are also internalized disorders and include separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, simple phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Similarly, subcategories of depressive disorders have been identified and include major depressive disorder, dysthymia, cyclothymia, and bipolar disorder. Though the next section is not comprehensive, its intent is to provide an overview of some internalizing problems in childhood, guided ...

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