Anxiety Disorders in Children Are Typical Unfortunately Generally misunderstood

By: Tony Wilson

The majority of children experience at least some type of anxiety. They might be nervous about taking a test or starting a new school. In most cases, these fears do not turn irrational or develop into a panic attack or a panic disorder. But other things can encourage panic disorders to start.

As much as we would like to protect the innocence of kids and prevent anything from interfering with their lives, it is not always possible. Anxiety disorders found in adults can also effect children. Symptoms of such problems are various. They might worry a lot. They could be overly motivated about getting everything right. The child might do the same task over and over again trying to get it perfect. They might also seek constant approval and reassurance from others.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is another type of anxiety disorder that might be seen in children. People suffering with OCD can have unwanted and intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Repeating rituals and routines obsessively can be a way people try to control their anxiety and be a symptom of OCD. While OCD is usually present in children at the age of 10 it has been diagnosed as young as 2 and 3. There are any number of signs for OCD like repeating the same task over and over again in an agitated manner, continually counting the same items and terror over possible mistakes they make.

Panic disorders are altogether different. A panic disorder can be diagnosed in children who suffer from at least two unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of concern over having another attack. Typically it is not seen in young children but it can be found in adolescents.

Children can also exhibit an anxiety disorder though specific phobias; irrational fears towards specific objects, places or situations. Although childhood fears like being fearful of animals, storms or the dark can go away on their own, if a fear is persistent within the child for at least six months and interferes with their daily activities, the child is said to have a phobia. Stomach aches, tantrums and clinginess are a few of the symptoms.

Children can develop these types of issues when exposed to certain stressors like losing apparent and other traumatic events. Such experiences can manifest themselves in a loss of appetite as well as sleep and the fear of the event happening again.

The way these types of disorders manifest themselves can be different in adults and children. For one, children do not have an understanding that their fears are irrational plus, they might not be able to express their feelings either. Children suffering from anxiety disorders who are suspected of having any anxiety disorder should be referred to their regular pediatrician.

Article Source: http://www.parentingarticlelibrary.com

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