Anxiety in children: Occasional worries vs. anxiety disorders
We all know that children worry. They have separation anxiety, shyness, fears about things real and imagined, and social concerns. While anxiety in children is common, anxiety disorders require treatment. When children have anxiety that dominates their lives, interfering with their lives at school, home or their outside activities, parents should talk to our Plano pediatricians about the next best steps to take.
Children worry about different things at different stages of life
Children have certain common fears at every age. For example, it’s normal for babies to be afraid of strangers, or for toddlers to have separation anxiety. Younger children are often afraid of monsters or other imaginary beings. Loud noises also scare babies and little ones.
When children get older, they begin to have real-world fears, like a fear of storms, fires, getting hurt, wars, or things they hear about from others or the media. During adolescence, many young people develop shyness, social fears, and concerns about grades and fitting in. These are all normal concerns.
Anxiety in children can cause many physical and emotional symptoms.
- Heart pounding
- Breathing getting rapid
- Sweating
- Feeling nauseous
- Feelings of dread
- Crying
- Having tantrums
- Sleep problems
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
Some children are more likely to have severe anxiety than others. They may be genetically prone to worry or have an anxious temperament. Their environment can also contribute to issues. Even certain medications can cause anxiety.
Signs that children need professional help
About 1 out of 8 children suffer from anxiety disorders. How do parents know if their child needs diagnosis and treatment? Look for these signs of anxiety in children.
- Excess worrying about a number of things, such as school or friends
- Trouble sleeping, fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or excessive crying
- Temper tantrums
- Anxiety three to five times a week that lasts for six months or more
- Expressing numerous concerns, unusual anxiety or separation anxiety as a young child
- Troubling or traumatic event in the child’s life
- Other family members who have issues with anxiety
When parents notice one or more of these symptoms, they should contact our Plano pediatricians.
Treating anxiety disorders
Scheduling an appointment is the best way to determine if medication, physical issues or an anxiety issue is causing the child’s symptoms. If anxiety if the cause, our pediatricians can refer your child to a mental health professional who can make a behavioral therapy plan.
Children and their families can learn how to manage emotional and physical symptoms, behaviors and negative thoughts. Medication may also help with symptoms in some children.
Our Plano pediatricians can help parents navigate treatment for anxiety in children
Parents shouldn’t feel shame or embarrassment if they think their child has a problem. Anxiety in children is a common, treatable issue. Seeking professional help for mental health issues is just as important as preventive and medical care. Our caring team can help parents and children get to a better quality of life. Contact us for an appointment.
