Anxiety disorder children…. No it’s not a label that we should start using for those young innocents who suffer from an anxiety disorder and more often than in adults they go unnoticed and untreated. Similar to adults, children too have anxiety and stress in their lives which can lead to a panic disorder. While the causes of panic disorders among children may vary on a case to case basis, there are some common precursors to the development of an anxiety or panic disorder among children. The foremost of these can be physical and emotional abuse which usually leaves a lasting imprint on the child’s memory. Alternatively, stressful life events can also bring about an anxiety disorder among children. Examples of these stressful events could be starting school, moving home, or the death of a parent or sibling. So next time you see the phrase ‘Anxiety Disorder Children’ you can expect to see a very ordinary child, hiding a very real problem…so read on.
If the panic / anxiety disorder children have is left untreated, odds are that the child will perform poorly academically and have lesser than average level of social skills. Additionally, research shows that children who suffer from an anxiety disorder are more vulnerable and prone to substance abuse. Thus it is important for parents to keep a close eye on their children’s behavior and monitor any sudden shifts. It is imperative that, an anxiety disorder children suffer from not be written off as ‘just a phase’ since the longer treatment is avoided, the greater damage the anxiety disorder will do.
Treatment for panic disorder among children takes numerous forms. Foremost among these options is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which helps children cope with their fears by modifying the way they think and behave. Another therapy option which can be used is Exposure Therapy which slowly but gradually exposes the patient to his/her fears in a safe environment such that the child realizes that his/her fears are irrational and baseless.
Regardless of which therapy is chosen, it is important that the child be loved by his family. It is for this reason that numerous studies emphasize family therapy. It is imperative that the child doesn’t feel that the panic disorder is solely his/her problem and their burden to bear. Effective improvements can only come about if the child is made to feel that his/her entire family is behind him. Therefore supporting the child through the whole process will lead to a higher successful outcome.
As a parent, it is important for you to read up as much as you can about anxiety disorders among children. Don’t make the mistake of losing hope at any point. Instead, enroll yourself in a parent training course. Such courses are specifically designed for people in your situation. They impart key information about how you, as a parent, are supposed to go about things if your child has an anxiety disorder.
Remember to do your due diligence when looking for a medical professional or specialist. Make sure the person you finally choose has extensive experience with handling children. If the professional does prescribe medication, again make sure you read up extensively on the drug because panic disorder medication, be it for children or adults, can lead to various side effects.
Lastly, make sure the authorities at your child’s school are aware of what is happening. This is a very important part of the whole process since a great part of the child’s day will be spent in school. Thus, your child’s teachers as well as any other relevant authorities need to know how to deal with any unfortunate incident if it were to arise. Contrarily, if at home your child experiences an anxiety attack, make sure you don’t panic because that will only add to the child’s anxiety. Remain calm and walk him/her through the exercises taught to you in parenting class.
Above all though love your child. Your support and your care for him/her during this tough time in life will mean the world to him/her.
Can Children Get Anxiety Disorders?
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