Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive fear or nervousness. There are several types of anxiety disorders, some of which include phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety. When it occurs in children, anxiety can cause impairments in socialization, academic progress and other vital areas of development. Understanding the causes and symptoms of anxiety in five-year-olds can help identify and treat the condition sooner.
Types
Not all anxiety is a symptom of a true anxiety disorder. For instance, fear of the dark and loud noises are normal in young children and usually dissipate with time, according to ChildAnxiety.net.
Any fear that causes significant impairment in a child’s daily functioning may warrant assessment by a mental health professional. Generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social and specific phobias are among the possible causes of anxiety in five-year-olds.
Signs and Symptoms
While the symptoms differ for each child, basic signs of overstimulation are a defining feature of anxiety disorders. According to the St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat and intestinal symptoms like diarrhea and stomach ache are possible signs of anxiety disorders in children. Behavioral signs can include difficult or odd behaviors like tantrums, refusal to attend school and disruptive behavior at school or in the home.
Complications
Left untreated, anxiety disorders can significantly impair a child’s developmental progress. Social anxiety—or the fear of public places and social situations—may cause a child to avoid making friends or interacting with peers. Separation anxiety often results in similar social isolation in situations where parents or caregivers are not present. In some cases, the behaviors triggered by anxiety can lead to bullying and exclusion by peers as well as poor academic performance.
Anxiety disorders also may interfere with a child’s health. Frequent nightmares and bedtime anxiety can cause sleep loss, which in turn affects a child's energy levels. In severe cases, the appetite loss that accompanies anxiety in five-year-olds may lead to nutrient deficiencies and failure to meet age-appropriate height and weight measurements.
Prevention/Solution
While it’s not always possible to prevent anxiety in five-year-olds, many effective treatment options are available. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the leading treatment for childhood anxiety. According to ChildAnxiety.net, as few as seven to 12 sessions may be sufficient for reducing anxiety associated with panic disorder, OCD and other anxiety disorders.
Ongoing stress can play a significant role in childhood anxiety. Practicing open communication and healthy coping skills in the home gives children the best chance for recovery. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga and singing can help children deal with anxiety when it arises.
Considerations
In some cases, anxiety may signal a more serious problem, such as sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Talking to your children about their feelings and experiences can give you a better idea of the causes of anxiety.
