Anxiety disorders are defined by the ADAA (Anxiety Disorder Association of America) as "a group of serious yet treatable health problems affecting one in 10 Americans; anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors." Certain anxieties are expected within the spectrum of child development. For example, infants and toddlers may experience separation anxiety or fears of real or imagined threats. School-aged children may experience specific fears. Adolescents may worry about school performance. However, childhood anxiety is problematic when it interferes with everyday life, relationships and school performance, or if it's no longer age-appropriate.

Anxiety in Children

Anxiety in children can present in various forms. Phobias are defined by the Anxiety Disorder Association of America as "intense, irrational fears of a specific object" which have lasted for at least six months and interfere with a child's daily life. Separation anxiety can manifest in physiological symptoms when a child fears separation from a parent or caretaker. Social anxiety involves deep fear of social or performance situations. Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves "excessive worry and anxiety," as defined by the ADAA website. Children diagnosed with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) face invasive obsessions and perform routines or rituals (compulsions) in an attempt to alleviate anxiety. Panic attacks are another form of anxiety.

Helping Children With Anxiety

Left untreated, childhood anxiety can lead to school performance and social problems as well as other difficulties. In addition to seeking professional help, parents can use various techniques to teach children healthy coping strategies that may alleviate some behaviors. Identifying situations that seem to cause your child anxiety is the first step. Although parents may be tempted to protect children from these situations, the far healthier option is to teach children positive coping strategies. For children with phobias, gradually introduce the child to the object of phobia. If a child has a phobia of dogs, expose the child to dogs in a safe setting.

Role-Playing and Modeling

Role-playing and modeling strategies can be beneficial when helping a child with anxiety. Model positive coping strategies when you experience an anxiety-provoking situation. If a child experiences social anxiety, role-play a birthday party or lunch at school.

Physical Response

Anxiety is characterized by and can be exacerbated by shallow breathing and tensing of muscles. Breathing exercises can help children cope, according to the "Duke University Gifted Newsletter." Model deep, controlled breathing by showing your child how to place his or her hand on the diaphragm area, just beneath the chest and above the abdomen. When breathing properly, he or she will feel the diaphragm contract. Another technique is progressive relaxation, controlled tightening and releasing of muscles. Guide children to tense and release one muscle group at a time.

Source:

Anxiety Disorders in Children and Teens

The Child Anxiety Network

Keep Kids Healthy: Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders

More Information:

Duke University Gifted Newsletter