Anxiety disorders cause problems for a large number of people across the world. However, children with anxiety disorders have more difficulty coping with it. But how do you find out if your child has an anxiety disorder or not and what can you do about it?
What Causes Anxiety Disorders In Children
There are a number of reasons as to why a child can develop anxiety disorders. Some children will have a predisposition to develop this disorder due to genetic inheritance or because they have other pre-existing disorders like ADHD or Depression. However, the most common way a child can develop anxiety disorders is from external factors like trauma. Neglect from parents, bullying or a life threatening accident are just some of the traumatic ways a child can develop anxiety disorders.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders in Children
Now we will be going over the signs and symptoms that a child may have anxiety disorders. This list will be able to help you identify if your child needs help regarding anxiety or any other mental disorder that may be affecting them.
Sleeping Problems
Children with anxiety disorders tend to have sleep problems that could cause them to be irritable and unapproachable when they wake up. Each person will experience these sleep problems differently. Achild could have difficulty falling asleep, sleeping for longer than normal periods of times or even nightmares that can wake them in the middle of the night.
Social Problems
A big sign that your child may have anxiety is that they could be avoiding social contact. Social contact is an integral part of society and if a child is avoiding it, then you may have a bigger problem in your hands. They could be overly attached to you as well and avoid other people that could help them.
Difficulty Paying Attention
One sign that your child may be experiencing anxiety is that they are having trouble paying attention to anything for an extended period of time. This is apparent when they’re trying to learn something new at schools or they have trouble finishing homework or chores.
General Negativity
The clearest sign that a person has anxiety regardless of their age is their outlook in life. If your child constantly has negative thoughts then you may have a bigger problem on your hands.
What Makes Anxiety Disorders In Children More Dangerous
Having a mental disorder like anxiety can be dangerous for anyone experiencing it. However, children experience a much heavier toll on their lives if they have a mental disorder like anxiety. This is because of how it can affect their early development and affect them into adulthood. Adults who have had anxiety disorders tend to be more timid and avoid risks that could lead them to success. So it is best to help someone overcome anxiety as soon as possible.
How Can You Help a Child With Anxiety Disorders
One of the best ways to help a child with it is to bring them to a professional who knows what they are doing. They will be able to identify the cause of the anxiety and help your child work through it with various therapies, and medications. CNS Center Arizona provides the best mental health services for both children and adults. Contact us today!
