Anxiety Disorder Can Affect Your Child - By: J. Michael Key

It is normal when children face some sort of stressful period from time to time during their childhood. It becomes abnormal when anxiety scenarios are not temporary but constant and can not be soothed. Having a stress-related disorder will trigger high-intensity feelings such as fear, emotional tension, or timidity. If these continue on a regular basis they can have a permanent effect on the child and carry on into adulthood if not treated properly.

Research indicators are that 1 in 8 children suffer from some kind of anxiety-related disorder. Long-lasting effects of these disorders can result in a higher chance of educational drop out, lower grades and increased chances of substance abuse.

Children, as with adults, can suffer from different types of disorders. For instance a Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) results in high-stress situations evolving from out of the most ordinary daily tasks. An anxiety disorder in a child of this kind will cause high levels of anxiety about carrying out simple tasks, or when waiting for something to happen. This stress is not based on any real factor, besides what is going on inside of the child's mind.

General daily activities can be very highly charged because of this disorder. Children feel out of control, and only assume that what they are feeling is fairly normal. Even though there is not a specific science that details the causes of anxiety disorder in children, there are, however, some indicating factors. For instance, biological traits, as well as real life experience can influence these disorders.

There can be a number of physical consequences to these disorders. Being restless, unable to sleep, being overly tired, and irritable are all physical translations of anxiety disorders in a child.

OCD or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is another type of stress-related disorder. Repetitive rituals like washing hands or counting are indicators or this disorder. Nagging thoughts constantly tag along with the child. The only way to find relief is for them to continually go through these repetitive actions. Diagnosis usually occurs prior to age 10, but there are cases known of ages as young as 2 dealing with these unfortunate issues.

This disorder differs between girls and boys, in terms of when they develop it. When an adult has this kind of disorder they are more likely to recognize that their actions are excessive. A young child can not make this differentiation. If gone untreated and the child becomes an adult this disorder will interfere with all areas of their life.

Treatment is available for anxiety disorders in children. Treatment methods vary, depending on the individual circumstances. There is not one common treatment for all. It may be important to find a good specialist who can help you through the process of finding a suitable treatment method for your child.

A parent can aid in the healing process as well. When an anxious phase ensues, stay calm throughout the storm. Even small accomplishments need praise. Plan ahead for stressful situations, when you know that it takes longer to get ready in the morning for school make sure you have ample time to get ready. This will reduce your own stress and children can sense that in their parents. If you feel you need more help or support there are a number of communities both online and offline for parents with children who deal with anxiety disorders. The main thing is to not ignore the situation if the symptoms manifest themselves with any regularity.

About the Author

Michael Key has been writing for 30 years. For more information on Anxiety Disorder visit http://www.defeatpanicattack.com/anxiety-disorder-child/ Anxiety Disorder In A Child.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/J--Michael-Key/50499

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