Anxiety Disorders
Types:
There are many types of anxiety, but these 3 listed are the most prominent and seen in children and adolescents.
Generalized anxiety disorder- Child exhibits anxiety and worrying for months and displays other anxiety symptoms (below).
Panic Disorder- The individual has many unexpected panic attacks associated with anxiety (read below under symptoms for information on panic attacks.)
Social Anxiety Disorder- The child presents with an intense fear of social situations where they feel embarassed and could be judged.
Causes/Factors:
Genetic
It is seen that if a family member has an anxiety disorder, there is an increased risk in the child obtaining a form of an anxiety disorder.
Environmental
It is shown that children and adolescents that grow up in a stressful or unstable environment can develop an anxiety disorder.
Other disorders
Commonly, children who have another mental illness (ex.adhd) can have an anxiety disorder.
Signs and symptoms:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Restlessness
Feelings of fatigue constantly
Trouble sleeping
Trouble controlling (due to anxiousness)
Panic Disorder
Panic attacks are commonly classified with:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
High heart rate
Sweating
Shaking
In addition, the individual will worry about when and where they will have their next panic attack, and will often avoid places of previous panic attacks
Social anxiety disorder
fear of...
Eating in front of other people
Speaking in public
Working in front of people
Talking on the phone
Being asked questions
Interaction in groups
Feelings of comfort when isolated
Treatment(s):
Medication
Relaxation
Therapy
Psychotherapy
This form of therapy helps children and adolescents to learn how to think and react in a different way during situations that bring upon anxiety.
Support groups
These can be very helpful for others to share situations when anxiety was present in their lives and have each other create solutions or ways to cope with the worry they experience.
How Can a Parent Help Their Kid with an Anxiety Disorder:
Being supportive and approachable is the most important quality of a parent who has a child with an anxiety disorder. This is because the child experiences worry, as the parent, being positive and approachable is very important.
Remember everyone can have moments of anxiety and fear, but if you have a concern regarding consistent anxiety, speaking up and getting your child help could be the difference.
This website does not intend to substitute the use of a certified professional and/or diagnose mental illnesses. If you have any concerns related to ones that are highlighted on this website, please talk to your primary care doctor or another medical professional.
Source: NIMH (National Institue of Mental Health)