Anxiety is the body's natural defense mechanism in which to combat fear and immediate danger. There are several different types of anxiety ranging from common mild anxiety, such as from taking a test, to overwhelming anxiety that can interfere with everyday life. Sometimes a physician or mental health professional will recommend that your child get help that will improve his coping skills when it comes to anxiety.
Features
Anxiety has a common myriad of symptoms, explains Help Guide. Common signs and symptoms of anxiety include the feeling of panic itself, hot flashes, shaking, nausea, stomach cramps, hyperventilation, faintness, rapid heart rate, feeling of losing control or going crazy. It's how the symptoms affect you in which type you will suffer from. Some people can simply shrug off the feelings of panic and anxiety while with others, it manifests into a disorder and everyday problem.
Types
The National Institute of Mental Health explains that there are five main types of anxiety disorder: panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder. All of these conditions can be diagnosed through a medical professional. It is important to seek treatment for your child so he can learn to easier cope with his anxiety symptoms.
Significance
Child anxiety is a serious mental health condition that can adversely affect the way your child feels and acts. The National Mental Health Information Center explains that if anxiety is not treated it can lead to problems such as low self esteem, difficulty maintaining childhood friendships, school absences, substance abuse, difficulty in school and poor lifestyle choices. It is recommended that if you see your child display anxious behavior to seek medical care for him to rule out an underlying illness and make a diagnosis of anxiety.
Risk Factors
There may be contributing factors to your child's anxiety. With everyday anxiety, a trigger may be include a prelude to an act that makes her uncomfortable, such as going to the dentist, a dance recital or making a speech in class. For those who have conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, she may feel anxious with no known cause or reason. Some risk factors for developing generalized anxiety disorder includes stress, personality disorders, genetic predisposition and a traumatic event.
Treatment
Getting help for your child can help him lead a better quality of life. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America recommends that you get your child professional medical care. Treatment may involve medication along with cognitive behavioral therapy. A therapist or physician may be able to target other problems along with the anxiety to get the most beneficial treatment for your child's overall medical condition.
