Jenny Jordan

Children Anxiety Disorders

Children anxiety disorders affect almost 20 percent of children all over the world, but they are often overlooked and underreported. Left untreated, these illnesses can progress to adult psychiatric disorders, which are even more difficult to treat. When severe, anxiety disorders in children can affect normal thinking, decision-making abilities and environment perceptions.

The causes of these conditions aren’t fully known, but scientists agree children anxiety disorders are the result of psychological, genetic and biologic factors. Kids with relatives affected by this kind of illnesses are more prone to mental disorders, especially if we talk about parents or twins. Also, medical conditions such as cardiovascular or lung diseases, certain tumors or infections are thought to trigger anxiety disorders in children. Studies revealed that kids and adolescents affected by mental disorders react more intense and quickly to stress and danger, so we can suppose this condition is favored by a combination of increased internal and external stress.  

There are various types of anxiety disorders in children. From obsessive-compulsive behaviors to exaggerated and irrational fears (phobias), panic or post traumatic stress disorders, these mental illnesses have similar symptoms. Generalized anxiety disorder is associated with restlessness, fatigue, increased irritability, muscle tension and pain or concentrating difficulties. Panic disorders manifest through unexpected panic attacks, chest pain, dizziness, faster heartbeat and accentuated sweating.

Maybe the most common of all children anxiety disorders, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) results in disturbing thoughts or ritual behaviors which cannot be controlled by the sufferer. Repetitive washing of hands or excessive checking of locks and doors are just some examples of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms. Phobias – specific ones (fear of a particular thing or situation) or social ones (fear of criticism and embarrassment in public places) are also frequent among children of all ages, but they’re usually easier to treat.

Speaking of treatments, anxiety disorders in children can be controlled through cognitive-behavioral therapies, psychotherapy and behavioral therapies. All these methods involve specific techniques meant to relieve the symptoms, reducing the stress and exaggerated fear associated to mental disorders. Besides these alternatives, pharmaceutical products or psychopharmacological treatments are efficient ways of reducing children anxiety disorders symptoms.

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