Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural state of fear or distress. Every child or adult feels anxiety at some point in life. Anxiety has a purpose. It acts as the body’s alarm system. It warns us when there may be a threat. Our body thinks there are only two choices: to fight the threat or flee from the threat. Anxiety usually causes a feeling of worry or unease. It may also cause sweating or a faster heartbeat.

Some anxieties are a normal part of growing up. They usually pass. Babies may not like being handed to strangers. Toddlers may get upset when left alone in a dark room. These anxieties are normal. Children usually outgrow them in a few months.

Anxiety becomes a concern if it lasts more than a few months or it interrupts the child’s enjoyment of life.

Signs and symptoms of anxiety

In children, there may be the following signs or symptoms:

• constant crying
• bad temper or moodiness
• trouble sleeping
• poor appetite
• unexplained stomach aches, headaches, or joint pain
• twitches or spasms
• a need to repeat certain behaviour, such as hair pulling, head banging, repeated blinking, or breath-holding

Causes

There are many reasons for anxiety. Insecurity is the cause of most anxieties and fears. Anxiety in children can be triggered by:

• separation from a parent or trusted caregiver
• conflict at school
• problems at home
• a quarrel with friends
• specific fears (i.e. thunder, the dark, spiders, or certain noises)
• occasionally there is no trigger, just a ‘free-floating’ anxiety

Context

Children usually learn how to deal with their fears and overcome anxiety. If left untreated, severe anxiety can lead to physical problems, anxiety disorders, or depression. Up to 9 out of 10 people who commit suicide have a history of mental illness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth, after motor vehicle accidents.

It is important to monitor your child’s mental and emotional health. Seek help if the anxiety is persistent.

What you can do to help your child with anxiety

Give support, comfort, and encouragement. If your child is old enough, talk to him or her about these fears. Ask about emotions and feelings. Gently explain why there is no need to be afraid. Ask other child care providers, family members, and teachers to also talk with your child. Allow your child time to adapt to new surroundings. If you think your child’s anxiety is growing out of control, see a doctor.

Keep your child in school. Missing school is common but not recommended.

What your child’s doctor can do

Your child’s doctor will do a physical exam. She will speak to you and your child. She will try to find out how severe the anxiety is. If your child is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, you and the doctor will decide on the best treatment. This may include input from other members of the family or teachers at your child’s school. Your doctor may also suggest a therapist or psychiatrist.

Treatments

Therapy

Treatment for anxiety depends on how severe it is. One type of treatment is called cognitive behavioural therapy. This therapy helps the patient change how he thinks, which can help reduce symptoms of depression.

Medication

Some medications help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Parents may be nervous to put their children on medication. However, sometimes drugs can help with anxiety. Studies have shown that medication, along with counselling, can be the best way to treat with anxiety. The most common drugs prescribed are known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). These drugs may take a few weeks to work. They can lead to a brief increase in reported anxiety. This may be because the child starts to feel well enough to talk about it.

Monitor your child’s behaviours when first given these or any medications.

Key points

• Anxiety in children is often normal.
• If the anxiety interferes with your child’s enjoyment of life, speak to the doctor.
• Anxiety can be triggered by insecurity and unknown situations.
• A therapist or psychiatrist can help if the child’s anxiety is a major problem.