What is Anxiety Disorder in Children?

It seems unlikely that any form of anxiety disorder in children is actually possible. After all, childhood is supposed to be a carefree time in a person’s life. What worries can a child possibly have that would lead to such an “adult” condition? Evidently, there are many in today’s society. Anxiety disorder in children is growing among the population in the United States.

How could this possibly happen, especially since we tend to be very protective of ouir kids and this is exactly the opposite of what we want to see in them? Well here are some potential starting points: children may be afraid of getting beaten up at school, they may worry about not fitting in, or about potential catastophes. If Mom and Dad aren't getting along well the child may start to worry about that or blame him or herself. Of course, there are many other potential worries.

Most of us have had to deal with similar worries and may not see it as such a big problem. We forget that kids have vivid imaginations and if they start focusing on the issue then a small problem can become a big one.

The actual number of occurrences of any kind of anxiety disorder in children is unknown but many professionals believe that the frequency is higher than most would think. Most of the cases are believed to go unreported, undiagnosed or unnoticed by the child’s family. Sadly, the condition is treatable if detected.

Many of the cases of anxiety disorder in children go undiagnosed and untreated for many years. Some are never treated for the condition at all. Some of the kids affected by anxiety disorders will find their own solutions and cure themselves. Others may find it becoming a lifetime issue.

Medical literature provides much information on the growing problem of anxiety disorder in children. These documents assert that the condition is commonly overlooked by physicians or it is thought to be something else entirely. The anxiety disorder in children can manifest itself as adult anxiety disorder in the child’s future.
 
The problem with detection is that the symptoms are often insidious and difficult to pinpoint especially during a casual visit to the doctor’s office. There is commonly a sense of worry, fear and general distress among the individuals who have the disorder. It is quite normal to have these feelings throughout childhood. Compounding the problem is that many kids are unable to put their issues or concerns or problems into words. They don't have the vocabulary.

However, the anxiety disorder in children has greater ramifications than the normal feelings of distress and fear experienced by the average child. It is crucial that parents are able to distinguish between normal levels of anxiety and overwhelming anxiousness in childhood. The symptoms of each are very similar but there are a few indicators of anxiety disorder in children.

Normal anxiousness is often accompanied by physical symptoms like headache, nausea, shaking and sweating. The overall feeling of nervousness and fear are very normal depending on the situation. These feelings are quite normal and manageable for the average child, especially with reassurance from his or her parents.
 
Anxiety disorders in children manifest in similar, but more extreme ways. The child has many of the physical symptoms but they are more severe. The headaches may be unbearable. The individual may be so nauseous that he vomits. Shaking and sweating are unmanageable. The child’s ability to reason is disrupted. He may be unable to concentrate and learn. 

As a rule of thumb, remember that there is reason for concern if the condition interferes with the child’s ability to function in daily activities. Anxiety disorder in children is treatable. It just needs to be detected in time. The web can provide some useful information, but the child's doctor is the best place to start. He or she will be able to direct the child and the parents to appropriate specialists, if necessary.

Resources:

KeepKidsHealthy.com goes into more detail on this subject, with links to more:

Anxiety symptoms and disorders are the number one health problem in America, ranging from a simple Adjustment Disorder to more difficult and debilitating disorders such as Panic Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. According to the most recent data, the lifetime prevalence for anxiety disorders as a whole in adults is about 25%; the frequency in children is unknown, but felt to be significantly underreported and under-diagnosed. More specifically Social Anxiety Disorder has a lifetime risk of 17%, while Panic Disorder occurs in approximately 1-3% of the adult population. Read the rest here: Childhood and Adolescent
Anxiety Disorders

The National Mental Health Information Center has a Frequently Asked Questions page

What are anxiety disorders?

Children and adolescents with anxiety disorders typically experience intense fear, worry, or uneasiness that can last for long periods of time and significantly affect their lives. If not treated early, anxiety disorders can lead to:

• Repeated school absences or an inability to finish school;
• Impaired relations with peers;
• Low self-esteem;
• Alcohol or other drug use;
• Problems adjusting to work situations; and
• Anxiety disorder in adulthood.

Children's Mental Health Facts

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