Anxiety in Children

Statistics reveal that 10-percent of children suffer from some type of anxiety disorder. Anxiety in children usually occurs as a result of environmental, social, and/or psychological factors. While anxiety disorders are not typically inherited, the propensity for anxiety and panic attacks can be passed on to children from their parents. While anxiety in children has become common, its symptoms are recognizable and it can be treated.

Anxiety in Children: Symptoms

The symptoms of anxiety in children are just the same as those that occur in adults who suffer from anxiety attacks. These symptoms can manifest both behaviorally and physically.

Behavioral anxiety attack symptoms include:

• Worry
• Apprehension
• Unpleasant Attitude/Behavior
• Confusion
• Distortion of Reality and/or Meaning of Events
• Memory Problems

Physical symptoms of anxiety in children include:

• Restlessness
• Headache
• Perspiration
• Tension in the Chest
• Muscle Tension
• Mild Stomach Discomfort

Not only does anxiety in children have an effect on the body, but young anxiety sufferers tend to become depressed. Additionally, their relationship with family members degenerates and they often perform poorly school, eventually growing to despise anything that has to do with academics.

Anxiety in Children: Treatment

Anxiety in children is often treated through anxiety and stress medication or psychotherapy. Many medical professionals are greatly concerned about prescribing medications to children because their brains are still developing. Although benzodiazepines are the most widely used anti anxiety medications due to their sedative effect, physicians rarely prescribe these drugs to treat anxiety in children because these meds can be addictive. There are some non-addictive drugs, but most children can't tolerate their side effects.

Psychotherapy is the safest and most preferred method for treating anxiety in children. A qualified mental health professional can administer this treatment in even the most severe cases. Psychotherapy demands a substantial time commitment. However, it's a much better option for treating anxiety in children when compared to potent prescription medications that may cause long-term damage.