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Anxiety Disorder
Parents may notice that their child is fearful or nervous. This can be associated with a stressful event, such as public speaking or writing a test. It is normal for a child to worry or feel nervous about these single events.
Anxiety is defined as a feeling of unease. When the level of anxiety is great enough and persistent enough to interfere with everyday activities, it is considered an Anxiety Disorder.
Types and Symptoms of Anxiety
Agoraphobia
- persistent avoidance of places or situations in which one feels trapped or fears having a panic attack and/or being unable to escape the situation
- can be so debilitating that some people become house bound
- can include avoiding elevators, crowds, busy streets, traveling, using public transportation, driving or being alone
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- many worries and fears
- tense muscles, a restless feeling, becoming tired easily, having problems concentrating, trouble sleeping
- a need for approval
Panic Disorder
- sudden onset of intense apprehension, fearfulness or terror
- may include shortness of breath, dizziness, unsteady feelings, heart palpitations, trembling or shaking, sweating, chest pain, choking, feelings of unreality, fear of dying or going crazy
- each occurrence usually lasts only a few minutes
Phobia
- extreme fear of a specific thing or situation (e.g. dogs, insects)
- fears cause significant distress and interfere with usual activities
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- fairly rare in children
- begins after one or many episodes of serious emotional upset
- may include jumpiness, muscle tension, being overly aware of one’s surroundings
- nightmares and sleep problems
- sometimes flashbacks when events are triggered
Separation Anxiety
- constant thoughts and intense fears about the safety of parents and caretakers
- refusing to go to school
- frequent stomach aches and other physical complaints
- extreme worries about sleeping away from home
- being overly clingy
- panic or tantrums at times of separation from parents
Social Anxiety
- significant anxiety in certain types of social or performance situations
- fear the evaluation or judgment of others
- avoidance of public washrooms, eating in restaurants, writing in public
- may cause panic or anxiety attacks
- few friends outside the family
Useful resources/links for ANXIETY:Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario - www.anxietyontario.com |
