Anxiety Disorder
All children experience some anxiety. Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. For example, from approximately age 8 months through the preschool years, healthy youngsters may show intense distress at times of separation from their parents or other people with whom they are close. Young children may have short-lived fears, such as fear of the dark, storms, animals, or a fear of strangers.
Anxious children are often overly tense or uptight. Some may seek a lot of reassurance, and their worries may interfere with activities. Parents should not dismiss their child’s fears. Because anxious children may also be quiet, compliant, and eager to please, their difficulties may be missed. A history of severe anxiety may qualify a student to receive accommodations if it interferes with learning or academic performance. Call us at (813)468-6528 for a consultation.
Parents should be alert for signs of severe anxiety for early intervention. Below different types of anxiety in children are explained…
Symptoms of separation anxiety include:
- Constant thoughts and intense fears about the safety of parents and caretakers
- Refusing to go to school
- Frequent stomachaches and other physical complaints
- Extreme worries about sleeping away from home
- Being overly clingy
- Panic or tantrums at times of separation from parents
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares
Symptoms of phobia include:
- Extreme fear about a specific thing or situation (ex. dogs, insects, or needles)
- Fears causing significant distress and interfering with usual activities
Symptoms of social anxiety include:
- Fears of meeting or talking to people
- Avoidance of social situations
- Few friends outside the family
Other symptoms in anxious children include:
- Many worries about things before they happen
- Constant worries or concerns about family, school, friends, or activities
- Repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or actions (compulsions)
- Fears of embarrassment or making mistakes
- Low self esteem and lack of self-confidence
Severe anxiety problems in children can be treated. Early treatment can prevent future difficulties, such as loss of friendships, failure to reach social and academic potential, and feelings of low self-esteem. Treatments may include a combination of the following: individual psychotherapy, family therapy, medications, behavioral treatments, and consultation to the school. Like mentioned earlier, some students may qualify for classroom accommodation and services.
If anxieties become severe and begin to interfere with the child’s usual activities (e.g. separating from parents, attending school, academic performance and making friends), parents should consider seeking an evaluation from a qualified mental health professional. Call us (813) 468-6528 for a consultation.
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