Stress management

By: Abhishek Agarwal
Anxiety disorders can effect people of all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, and age groups. Child anxiety attacks are not only possible, they are probably happening more than doctors realize. This condition seems to especially effect teenagers and can persist into young adulthood.

Symptoms of a Child Anxiety Attack

The symptoms of a child anxiety attack are generally the same as an adult having an anxiety attack would feel. A child anxiety attack may start with a psychological symptom, such as a persistent and strong feeling of dread or fear. This is then followed by physical symptoms, the same as an adult would experience: racing heart, chest discomfort, numbness or tingling in the extremities, et cetera. Also common among child anxiety sufferers are diarrhea, stomach pain, headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath.

Effects of Child Anxiety Attacks

Even though anxiety attacks generally don't cause any direct physical damage, the effects on a child's psyche can be very noticeable. Children suffering from child anxiety attacks often have trouble concentrating in school, and may show an overall lower ability to learn or make decisions. Often child anxiety attacks can be triggered by social situations, so the child may attempt to isolate themselves to try and avoid triggering a child anxiety attack.

There are many different kinds of child anxiety disorders: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), acute stress disorder, social or general phobias, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and adjustment disorders with anxiety, to name just a few. Many of these involve child anxiety disorders that focus on specific situations, people, objects, et cetera.

Helping Your Child

If your child is experiencing anything that you suspect may be child anxiety attacks, you should take them to see a doctor. He will be able to diagnose whether there is anything physically wrong, and if not, will be able to recommend some treatments that can help.

Generally, child anxiety is treated the same way as adult anxiety: with medication and therapy. Your doctor will be able to prescribe medications that will help control your child's anxiety attacks. The therapy will help them to overcome the fears that are at the root of the child anxiety attacks.

At home, try and keep your child's life as stress-free as possible. Don't be overbearing or put too much pressure on them to be perfect. Don't argue with your husband or wife where they can hear you. Stress from a bad home life can really take its toll on a child's mind. Rather, make sure they feel loved and secure, and that they know they will always be loved even if they don't get that "A". You'll find that reducing the stress your child feels can help their recovery quite a bit.