Anxiety in Children
Anxiety is a natural part of life, helping children learn when to be careful in response to perceived threats. However, when a child’s daily worries become persistent and intense enough to interfere with their daily activities, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety Treatment
Early treatment is vital for helping young people learn to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Normal Anxiety vs. Anxiety Disorders
Excessive anxiety typically resolves as a child grows and gains more life experiences. However, some young people exhibit extreme avoidance, disproportionate emotional reactions or persistent anxiety that doesn’t get better with time. These concerns can significantly impact your child’s social interactions, academic performance and overall well-being.
Anxiety in children can manifest in several forms, each with distinct characteristics.
- Separation anxiety disorder extends beyond the typical developmental phase. Affected children exhibit excessive distress about being away from home or loved ones, which may hinder their ability to attend school or participate in social activities.
- Phobias involve intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations – such as animals, storms or heights – that are out of proportion to the actual danger posed.
- Social anxiety disorder involves a severe fear of social situations where your child feels exposed to possible judgment or ridicule. Children with social anxiety might be too nervous to make new friends, order a meal in a restaurant or ask questions at school.
- Generalized anxiety disorder leads to excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life, including school performance, family issues, health and future events.
- Panic disorder causes sudden, repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath or dizziness.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Children
Recognizing anxiety in children can be challenging, as symptoms often vary. Some children may verbalize their fears, while others might exhibit behavioral signs.
- Excessive worry or crying
- Complaints of physical ailments without a medical reason (e.g., stomachaches, headaches)
- Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep, nightmares or fear of sleeping alone
- Restlessness, difficulty relaxing or staying still
- Irritability or anger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite
- Physical symptoms like trembling
- School avoidance
- Frequent bathroom use
Causes of Anxiety in Children
The roots of anxiety in children are multifaceted, involving a combination of biological, environmental and psychological factors.
- A family history of mental health disorders, which may be hereditary
- Stressful life events such as starting at a new school
- Bullying, abuse or neglect
Help Your Child Heal
Pine Grove offers proven, industry-leading inpatient and outpatient mental and behavioral health treatment for children and adolescents. Our specialists have developed programming that empowers young people to overcome their fears, enhance their coping strategies and improve their quality of life.
Nurturing children’s well-being is a privilege in a time when mental health disorders are on the rise. Pine Grove’s experienced clinicians use proven modalities to equip our youngest clients with strategies for long-term wellness, emotional resilience, social skills and academic success.
If your child struggles with anxiety, request help today to guide them back to a path of confidence and resilience. Our admissions team is standing by to answer your questions and verify your insurance.
