subject: Is Your Child Suffering From A Childhood Anxiety Disorder? [print this page] Is Your Child Suffering From A Childhood Anxiety Disorder?
Unfortunately, anxiety and stress in children is a common problem in today's high tech, fast-paced, and active society. The frequency of anxiety in children is unknown, but it's felt to be significantly underreported and under-diagnosed.
Approximately five to ten percent of children in the general population struggle with anxiety disorders daily and anxiety disorders are one of the primary mental health problems affecting children and adolescents today.
If anxiety in children is not detected and treated early on, many other problems can develop. Some of the more common effects related to child anxiety disorder are: repeated school absences, low self-esteem, alcohol or drug use and abuse, problems obtaining or adjusting to employment, and anxiety problems in adulthood.
Early intervention and treatment can make all the difference for your child and can prevent these further complications stemming from anxiety. Child anxiety disorders are usually classified in three main categories, and they are: separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
There are 13 major symptoms you should be aware of:
1. heart palpitations or fast heart rate
2. sweating
3. trembling or shaking
4. shortness of breath or smothering
5. choking sensation
6. chest discomfort or pain
7. nausea or abdominal distress
8. feeling dizzy, lightheaded, faint, or unsteady
9. feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
10. fear of losing control or going crazy
11. fear of dying
12. numbness or tingling sensations
13. chills or hot flashes
These symptoms and behaviors cause major distress in a child's life and can result in significant negative effects on social, occupational, or academic performance. If your child is exhibiting some or all of these syptoms, be sure to talk with a pediatrician or mental health professional immediately!
Some of the treatments for teenage anxiety can include increased physical activity, a change in your child's diet, relaxation, or meditation techniques, and possibly even medication. Use of anti-depressants in conjuction with cognitive-behavioral therapy have shown promise. Usually, kids respond to an individualized treatment plan that can include family counseling, psychotherapy, private counseling, and perhaps medications.
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