Anxiety in children

Mother taking care her child, representing Children & Adolescent Psychiatrist Services

Childhood Anxiety

Everybody feels worried or nervous from time to time, but individuals with anxiety disorders experience persistent symptoms that may affect their quality of life. Anxiety could start at a young age, sometimes since infancy. At Children Psych in Orange, California, Long Beach, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, our providers provide diagnoses and treat all types of anxiety among children and adolescents. If you frequently experience anxiety symptoms, don’t hesitate to call Children Psych or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety disorders cause feelings of persistent worry or dread that interfere with your daily life. While occasional anxiety is common, anxiety disorders can be difficult to navigate without the appropriate treatment. Some individuals with anxiety experience frequent bouts of intense fear or nervousness that can impact their ability to work, go to school, or socialize.

Are there types of anxiety?

Multiple types of anxiety disorders exist, including:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
GAD is a common anxiety disorder in which you experience excessive fear or worry about daily activities.
Social anxiety disorder
Individuals with social anxiety disorder often feel uncomfortable or self-conscious around others. You may feel like others are judging you in social situations to the point that you may avoid them altogether.
Panic disorder
Sudden bouts of extreme fear and anxiety are signs of panic disorder. In addition to intense anxiety, this condition can cause physical symptoms, including chest tightness, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia leads to feelings of anxiety about certain places. The disorder may compel you to avoid areas that trigger your anxiety symptoms, or you may feel scared to leave your home at all.
Separation anxiety disorder
Especially common during childhood, separation anxiety disorder causes feelings of worry when individuals are away from their parents or caregivers.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety symptoms can range from mild to severe and constant. Common symptoms of anxiety include:
  • Nervousness
  • Tension
  • Excessive worry
  • Fear over everyday tasks or activities
  • Insomnia
  • Rapid breathing
  • Sweating
  • Increased heart rate
  • Muscle tension
  • Feeling on-edge
  • Difficulty concentrating
The symptoms of anxiety can leave you feeling fatigued or with low-energy. The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely you will regain control of your anxious feelings.

What causes anxiety?

Several factors can contribute to symptoms of anxiety. While there’s no single anxiety cause, common risk factors include:
  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Caffeine consumption
  • Stress
  • Certain personality types
  • Trauma or abuse
Many medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid disorders, can also cause anxiety symptoms.

What are the treatments for anxiety?

The individualized anxiety treatment plan that the team creates for you at Children Psych depends on the severity of your symptoms. In most cases, a combination of therapy and medication is necessary to relieve your anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. This goal-oriented therapy enables you to develop more helpful coping strategies for anxious thoughts, so you can respond in a constructive way. When combined with anti-anxiety medication, cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective tool to alleviate excessive worry and fear. To learn more about anxiety, call Children Psych or schedule an appointment online today.
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