Some anxiety is normal, especially as children grow up and face new experiences. However, if a child’s anxiety interferes with daily life, it may be time to see a mental health professional.
Anxiety affects 15% to 20% of school-age children and adolescents, and it is more common in girls than boys. Children who have an anxiety disorder might worry and cry more than other kids their age, or they might complain of stomachaches, headaches or other physical symptoms. These children also might avoid situations that make them anxious, such as going to school or participating in social activities. This can lead to problems such as depression, substance abuse and even suicide.
Parents can help their children cope with their anxiety by giving them reassurance and encouragement. They can also encourage their children to take age-appropriate risks, which will build their confidence and skills. They can also provide support by making sure that their children have access to treatment for their anxiety if they need it.
There is a growing body of research that shows that a lack of self-perceived competence and fears of negative evaluation are predictors of child anxiety. This can be due to either family or environmental factors, but it is often the result of a combination of both.
Trying to overcome these challenges by encouraging children to “just do it” can backfire. Instead, it is better to teach them coping skills that can help them deal with their worries and anxieties. One way to do this is to show them how to use breathing techniques to calm their bodies and thinking differently about situations that are worrying them.
A therapist can help children learn these coping skills through individual and family therapy. The therapist can also explain how certain medications can help reduce anxiety, especially a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft(r)), paroxetine (Prozac(r)), and citalopram (Celexa(r)).
In addition to teaching children coping skills, some psychiatrists treat anxiety with medication alone. SSRIs work by raising levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps other chemicals in the brain communicate better. This improves mood and decreases anxiety. The psychiatrists at the Child Study Center, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, can help match your child with the best medication for their anxiety.
Some children with an anxiety disorder have very severe symptoms that can affect their quality of life, including panic attacks. These symptoms can include feelings of fainting or chest pain, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. If a child has these symptoms, they should see their GP as soon as possible. They can then get a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can also seek emergency medical attention or call the Suicide Prevention Hotline if necessary. In general, children with anxiety can do very well with treatment and support from their family and healthcare providers.