For many parents, a child's anxiety is not given much attention. The truth is that many children exhibit signs of anxiety without anybody noticing. Many of the symptoms are seen as normal, in fact.
Do you think your child may have anxiety or an anxiety disorder? Pediatricians can help you manage your child's health, including their mental health and issues like an anxiety disorder.
Understanding Anxiety in Children
Your pediatrician may tell you that your child's anxiety is a reaction to fear. For most people, anxiety develops as a response to danger. Dangerous situations may put your body into a fight-or-flight mode. Some people are in this mode quite often, leading to a variety of stressful symptoms.
Does Your Child Have an Anxiety Disorder?
Next, you may wonder if your child has an anxiety disorder. While only a pediatrician can diagnose your child with a health issue, you may look for these symptoms:
- Constant worry or tension
- Constant feelings of danger
- Anxiety that interferes with school, relationships, or daily life
- Irrational fears
- Insomnia
- Unexpected bouts of panic, including high heart rate and panicked breathing
- Avoidance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sweating
- Upset stomach
Anxiety disorders can have serious repercussions, and they can last for the entirety of one's life. The good news is that a pediatrician can provide some treatment, which could come in the form of therapy recommendations or medications.
Children Experience Different Anxiety Disorders
Many people don't realize that children can be just as complex as adults. As a result, children can experience a variety of conditions.
One disorder that may be common in children is known as generalized anxiety disorder. This type of anxiety may result in constant worry and nerves throughout everyday life.
Children can also experience obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. This condition may come with unwanted behaviors and thoughts to the point of obsession, perhaps with the fear that something could go wrong without participation in these behaviors.
Children can also experience phobias, some of which are very irrational and difficult to understand. For example, you may notice that your child has an extreme fear of dogs.
Finally, your child may experience social anxiety. Some people may believe their child is just shy, but it could be social anxiety.
Talk to Your Pediatrician Today
A pediatrician can offer great insight into your child's mindset. No matter the kind of anxiety your child experiences, you should consult with a pediatrician. Your child's pediatrician can provide you with recommendations for moving forward with treatment for your child if it is necessary.
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