Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Young people with anxiety disorders typically are so afraid, worried, or uneasy that they cannot function normally. Anxiety disorders can be long-lasting and interfere greatly with a child's life. If not treated early, anxiety disorders can lead to:

missed school days or an inability to finish school;
impaired relationships with peers;
low self esteem;
alcohol or other drug use;
problems adjusting to work situations; and
anxiety disorder in adulthood.

What are the Signs of an Anxiety Disorder?
There are a number of different anxiety disorders that affect children and adolescents. Several are described below.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Children and adolescents with this disorder experience extreme, unrealistic worry that does not seem to be related to any recent event. Typically, these young people are very self-conscious, feel tense, have a strong need for reassurance, and complain about stomachaches or other discomforts that don't appear to have any physical basis.

Phobias: A phobia is an unrealistic and excessive fear of some situation or object. Some phobias, called specific phobias, center on animals, storms, water, heights, or situations, such as being in an enclosed space. Children and adolescents with social phobias are terrified of being criticized or judged harshly by others. Because young people with phobias will try to avoid the objects and situations that they fear, the disorder can greatly restrict their lives.

Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is marked by repeated panic attacks without apparent cause. Panic attacks are periods of intense fear accompanied by pounding heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or a feeling of imminent death. The experience is so scary that the young person lives in dread of another attack. He or she may go to great lengths to avoid any situation that seems likely to bring on a panic attack. A child with a panic disorder may not want to go to school or be separated from his/her parents.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A child with obsessive-compulsive disorder becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors. Even though the child may agree that the thoughts or behaviors appear senseless and distressing, the repetitions are very hard to stop. The compulsive behaviors may include repeated hand washing, counting, or arranging and rearranging objects.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop in children or adolescents after they experience a very stressful event. Such events may include physical or sexual abuse; being a victim or witnessing violence; or being caught in a disaster, such as a bombing or hurricane. Young people with post-traumatic stress disorder experience the event again and again in strong memories, flashbacks, or troublesome thoughts. As a result, the young person may try to avoid anything associated with the trauma. They may also overreact when startled or have difficulty sleeping.

What Help is Available for a Young Person with an Anxiety Disorder?:

Children and adolescents with anxiety disorders can benefit from a variety of treatments and services. After an accurate diagnosis, possible treatments include:

Cognitive-behavioral treatment (where young people learn to deal with fears by modifying the way they think and behave);
Other individual therapy;
family therapy;
parenting training; and
medication

While cognitive-behavioral approaches are effecting in treating some anxiety disorders, medications work well with others. Some anxiety disorders benefit from a combination of these treatments. In general, more studies are needed to find which treatments work best for various types of anxiety disorders.

What Can Parents Do?

If a parent or caregiver notices repeated symptoms of an anxiety disorder in a child or adolescent, they should:

Talk with the child's doctor. The doctor can help determine whether symptoms are caused by an anxiety disorder or by some other condition. Then, if needed, the doctor can refer the family to a mental health professional.
Look for a mental health professional who has training and experience;
- working with children and adolescents
- using cognitive-behavioral or behavior therapy; and
- prescribing medications for this disorder or, if appropriate, cooperating with a physician who prescribes medications.
Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Reference: National Mental Health Association - *Licensure granted to re-print above information obtained from the National Mental Health Association on 1/29/03.

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