Children as young as three are being treated for anxiety and psychologists say we need an urgent and preventative approach for all age groups.

Experts are struggling to deal with an increasing number of people struggling with anxiety - and this is especially true for children.

AUT psychology professor Max Abbott told Mike Hosking young children can become anxious because of uncertainty around their parenting environment, stress from caregivers and disrupted routines.

He says we all have the fight or flight response, but if that's fired off too often it can have a very negative effect.

Abbott said there's been an increase in demand for mental health services in recent times and it's difficult to put your finger on what's causing it, but says social conditions, like housing problems and poverty are contributing.

He said how you perceive yourself, relative to other people who you think are better off, is also playing a part.

LISTEN ABOVE AS MAX ABBOTT SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING