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Information supplied by ProHealth Care's Behavioral Medicine Center.
Your child is complaining of stomachaches and doesn't want to go to school - a phase or mild illness or something else?
Some anxiety is a normal part of childhood development. Fears and worries can even protect children from harm (fear of strangers, for example). However, experts believe that one in 10 children have some kind of anxiety disorder and it is the most common psychiatric problem of children and adolescents, affecting more children than attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Unfortunately, anxiety disorders may be difficult for parents and teachers to recognize because many children are very secretive about their worries and fears. Separation anxiety is most common among those 7-10 years old and is marked by extreme fear about separating from parents or even their house. Children with generalized anxiety tend to worry about many things. Irritability and restlessness are common symptoms. Social anxiety is more common among adolescents. The fear here is intense scrutiny and embarrassment.
In identifying an anxiety disorder in a child, it is important to look at the whole picture - are there any medical problems with the child or in the family, what's going on in the home and school? Asking open-ended questions such as "have you been feeling worried or scared about anything at school?" is one way to gather information. Watching for changes in sleep or appetite or changes in social behavior are also important. Clarifying the type of anxiety is important to putting together a specific treatment plan.
While the good news is that children often outgrow anxiety disorders, they can sometimes lead to anxiety and depression in adolescence and adulthood. It's also important to address anxiety problems in children so that it doesn't keep them from enjoying normal developmental experiences.
- Information supplied by ProHealth Care's Behavioral Medicine Center.
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