Just the Facts: Children & Anxiety
At some time or another, just like adults, all children feel anxious. It’s a part of growing up and adjusting constantly to surroundings and new experiences. Problems, though, develop when children have a persistent and nearly constant state of anxiety about life in general, or very specific elements of what they deal with so that fear takes over and controls them and keeps them from thriving. It can affect them in their personal life, school life, and social life.How Prevalent is Children’s Anxiety?
- The most prevalent mental health disorder in children and teens
- 10 – 20% of children and young people suffer a diagnosable anxiety disorder
- Many more suffer with symptoms but don’t meet diagnostic criteria
- 2 of every 5 grade school children have fears of separation from a parent
- 2 of every 5 children aged 6 – 12 years have at least seven fears that they find troubling
- Nearly one-third of children worry about their competence and require considerable reassurance
- 1 of every 5 grade school children is afraid of heights, shy in new situations, or anxious about public speaking and social acceptance
- Girls report more stress than boys – sometimes because of social expectations
- Good news–most of these worries and stresses are outgrown or recede as children mature and develop. The key is knowing what is “normal” for a child at a certain age.
What Often Causes Anxiety in Children?
- A fear-inducing experience that traumatizes the child
- Overly anxious, worried, and fearful parent(s)
- Overly demanding parent(s) ie: perfectionism
- Child Abuse
- Strong fear of failure and non-acceptance
- Psychosis—genetic or neurotransmitter issues in the brain
What are the Most Common Symptoms and What Should I Be Looking For?
- Overwhelming fear or reluctance to be involved in a certain activity or go to a certain place
- Physical complaints (headache, stomach ache, sick in the morning, frequent urge to go to the bathroom, difficulty swallowing food, exhaustion, dizziness, etc.)
- Overwhelmingly tense and on edge
- Sleep changes (insomnia, repeated visits to parent’s room)
- Change in eating habits
- Avoidance of outside and interpersonal activities (school, parties, camp, slumber parties, safe strangers)
- Constant need for reassurance (new situations, bedtime, school, storms, asking “is it bad?”)
- Inattention, inability to concentrate, and poor school performance and grades
- Explosive outbursts
What are the Most Effective Treatments?
- Professional Counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from a trained professional
- Appropriate Medications