Many children worry and experience anxiety from time to time --- a common emotion. When symptoms of anxiety lead to panic or worrying excessively over everyday events or when they interfere with daily function, it could be the sign of a serious medical or mental issue such as generalized anxiety disorder. Treatment begins with your child's pediatrician to rule out or confirm an underlying medical condition.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD, is a type of anxiety disorder causing tension, constant worry, nervousness and, in some cases, panic attacks. This condition can be very exhausting to children because it can be mentally and physically draining. GAD far exceeds regular worry because the child will exhibit high anxiety, fear and dread that discussion of factual or realistic outcomes cannot ease or soothe, explains Helpguide.org. Worry can become so excessive that it leads to panic attacks when certain situations are encountered.
Symptoms
When your child's worrying or anxiety is beyond control, taking her to her pediatrician will help rule out medical conditions that could mimic GAD, such as an overactive thyroid, low potassium or a severe mental illness such as schizophrenia. Physical symptoms of GAD include stomachaches, nausea, muscle tightness, edginess, jumpiness, difficulty concentrating, feelings of dread, insomnia and tremors. If GAD is severe, it can lead to potentially debilitating panic attacks, bringing lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, feeling faint, vertigo, heaviness in muscle groups, chest pain and difficulty breathing. A panic attack can trigger avoidance of certain situations such as school, which can negatively affect day-to-day living.
Causes
In some cases, GAD is caused from post-traumatic stress disorder, perhaps from a traumatic event or life change. The New York Times Health Guide explains that one's total psychological profile, including biological vulnerability to stress, genetics and biochemistry of the brain, are all contributing factors to GAD. Stress hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain also play a role in how one reacts to stressful situations and outside stimuli.
Treatment
Treating a child who has excessive worry and anxiety depends on the severity of her condition. First, a medical exam including a CMP blood test or comprehensive metabolic panel is conducted to check for illness, then a treatment plan is established. Medications to help control anxiety symptoms may be prescribed, such as anti-anxiety agents and tricyclic antidepressants. In conjunction with medications, a psychotherapist can employ various forms of therapy, including relaxation techniques, stress reduction and more. A school therapist then links together the medical and education aspects.
