Anxiety in Children
How common is Anxiety?
Approximately 1 out of 10 children suffer from an anxiety disorder. Most children experience anxiety purely on the basis of psychological, social and environmental influences. Twin studies of identical twins have shown that anxiety can occur with one twin but not the other. Anxiety disorders are not necessarily inherited although some people appear to inherit a risk or vulnerability for an anxiety disorder from their family. Brain imaging studies have produced minimal data to suggest there is a single defect or problem in the brain that causes or contributes to anxiety.
Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety symptoms are linked to specific mental and behavioral disorders which can appear even in very young children. Examples of these anxiety symptoms are thoughts and fears about safety of self and parents, expressing worries about things before they happen, or constant worries or concern about school, friends, or sports. Some anxious children are afraid to meet or talk to new people. As a result, they have few friends outside the family. Anxiety can also be expressed through physical complaints such as frequent stomachaches and headaches. In addition, anxiety in children can be expressed as overly clingy behavior at home and panic or tantrums at times of separation from parents. Anxious children are often tense or uptight.
Treatment
Children with anxiety can be treated with therapy and medications. Individual play therapy with a child psychiatrist or psychologist explores conflicts and unconscious themes that interfere with a child's world of play, family interaction, and school life. Jimmy also received behavioral therapy. His therapist would identify those times that produced the most anxiety in Jimmy, such as getting dressed, being in the car, and actually entering the school building. Medications have helped with nervousness, restlessness, and worry.
Causes of anxiety in children
There are many factors that contribute to the development of anxiety disorders in children. These may include genetic predisposition, psychological factors and environmental factors.
Other symptoms of 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
Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Anxiety disorders are the most commonly occurring mental health problem in children and youth (6.5%). Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations. People of all ages including children feel anxious from time to time.
Advice for Parents in Dealing with Children's Anxiety
Buffer the stressful effects of life changes to a reasonable extent. Families experience stressful life events such as moving, divorce, and death, and children must learn to cope with such stressors. Parents can help by attending to the child's concerns and modeling a positive coping style.
Tips that children can follow themselves to help reduce stress:
Talk about your problems. If you cannot communicate with your parents, try someone else that you can trust. Try to relax. Listen to calm music. Take a warm bath. Close your eyes and take slow deep breaths. Take some time for yourself. If you have a hobby or favorite activity, give yourself time to enjoy it.Exercise. Physical activity reduces stress.
