Do you notice your child worrying a lot or struggling with a phobia? An anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition affecting many children and adolescents. While it’s normal for kids to feel anxious from time to time, such as before a test or a presentation in class, an anxiety disorder is when the fear is constant and intense to the point that it interferes with daily life. In recent years, anxiety has increased among children and teens. Pressures from school and peers, social media, and negative news in the media can contribute to anxiety in kids. Understanding the signs and addressing the disorder early can help your child get the support they need.
Signs of Anxiety in Kids
Common symptoms of anxiety include recurring fears, irritability, avoiding certain activities or situations such as school or social interactions, a drop in school grades and academic performance, trouble sleeping and concentrating, headaches, stomachaches, or substance use. Kids may shake or sweat often, feel their heart racing, or struggle with sitting still. If you notice these signs, it’s important to talk to your child right away. Start by discussing the potential triggers for their anxiety to get to the source. You can then help them manage their fears by using methods such as deep breathing, meditation, muscle relaxation, or positive self-talk.
Below is information on the different types of anxiety disorders that can affect children and teens.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about everyday things, like school, events in the news, or family issues. Kids with generalized anxiety disorder may constantly seek reassurance or may struggle to relax. They may feel that their worries are difficult to control and that they disrupt their day-to-day functioning.
Social Anxiety Disorder:
Social anxiety disorder occurs when kids are excessively afraid of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations. As a result, they might avoid social situations such as parties or school events. They might also be afraid to speak up in class or participate in extracurricular activities. Social anxiety disorder can make it difficult for kids to make friends or connect with their peers.
Separation Anxiety Disorder:
Separation anxiety disorder causes kids to have an intense fear of being separated from their parents or caregivers. Children may refuse to go to school, sleep alone, or attend playdates out of fear that something bad will happen when they’re away from their family. While separation anxiety disorder is more common in younger children, it can also occur in older kids.
Phobias:
Phobias occur when kids have an irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity, like the dark, dogs, needles, thunderstorms, clowns, or heights. Phobias can cause kids to panic when faced with their fears and lead to avoidance behaviors.
Panic Disorder:
Panic disorder causes kids to have panic attacks when triggered by their anxiety or phobia. Children may feel short of breath, dizzy, or lightheaded. They may also hyperventilate and suffer from heart palpitations.
Treating Anxiety in Kids
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed by a mental health specialist or a pediatrician during well-check visits. The diagnosis is done through a comprehensive evaluation where children and families are asked questions about mood, thoughts, behaviors, and activities. The most effective and common type of treatment for anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help kids understand where their anxious thoughts come from and learn coping strategies for managing those thoughts. Through CBT, kids can learn to manage their fears through gradual exposure in a safe environment. In some cases, however, children may need medication in addition to therapy.
While your child is being treated for anxiety, it’s important to take care of the other aspects of their health, such as diet, exercise, and sleep. Although these are not substitutes for therapy and medication, they can aid in the process and support your child’s mental health.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s anxiety, call our office. Our pediatrician is here to support your family.
