Anxiety Disorders
As children grow, they may experience some level of anxiety as part of the developmental process. For example, some children from 8 months through preschool-aged can show intense distress when separated from their parents while other children might experience short-lived fears, such as fear of the dark or of storms.
Children with anxiety tend to be very tense and may seek a lot of reassurance. Additionally, their worries may interfere with their activities.
They also may be quiet and complacent, making it harder to spot their difficulties.
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Anxiety has different faces but has common symptoms and signs. Some common signs are:
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Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
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Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
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Having an increased heart rate
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Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
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Sweating
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Trembling
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Feeling weak or tired
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Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
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Having trouble sleeping
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Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
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Having difficulty controlling worry
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Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety
Though these are common symptoms, there are additional symptoms that distinguish one version of anxiety from the other.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
A persistent and excessive worry over several different things. Though it is most common in adults, the growth of GAD begins as early as childhood and can impact the individual as they move from childhood to adolescence.
An intense fear of being negatively viewed by others, being rejected in a social situation, and/or being judged. They worry about being seen as physically and visibly anxious and seeming awkward, dull, or any perceived negative trait. The average age for this disorder to appear is during the teenage years.
PTSD is a severe condition resulting from experiencing or witnessing trauma, like natural disasters, accidents, assaults, or loss of a loved one. Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive memories. If these persist and lead to depression or anxiety over time, it may indicate PTSD.
OCD involves unwanted intrusive thoughts, obsessions, and compulsions leading to repetitive, uncontrolled behaviors affecting the mind and body. Children and teens with OCD may not recognize the excessiveness of these thoughts and actions, potentially feeling shame and reluctance to discuss them. Open communication with parents and influential adults can encourage them to share their issues.
May Include a combination of:
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Individual Psychotherapy
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Family Therapy
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Medications
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Behavioral Treatments
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School Consultation
Disorder specific treatment:​​
PTSD
In the case of PTSD, early intervention with a focus on establishing safety and security is crucial. This treatment would bring in the support of family, friends, schools, and other adults and professionals aiding the child. Once dealt with professional manner, the child can learn to cope with the memories of the trauma and live a healthy and productive life.
OCD
For OCD, children and adolescents can be effectively treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Additionally, family and friend support is crucial, along with understanding and educating oneself about the disorder with the aid of a child and adolescent therapist.
Though it is recommended that if a parent or an adult has a concern about the mental health of a child, they seek the help and insight of a mental health professional, there are ways for one to screen their child or a child of concern. Click on the relevant button to download a screening form. Please note, this does not count as a diagnosis. Rather, it indicates symptoms that are concerning and would need the observation and evaluation of a trained mental health professional.
For more information on Anxiety Disorders, visit the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry' Anxiety Disorders Resource Center.
Understanding Anxiety by Rhesus Medicine