On CrisisCounseling.com, psychologist Michael G. Conner states that about one out of every 10 children deal with anxiety. Anxiety can have many physical and emotional consequences. While some children may feel an overwhelming sense of worry or apprehension, others can experience headaches, chest tension, upset stomach and perspiration. Relationships with friends and family can suffer as a result. There are many ways to treat a child's anxiety. Some children can benefit from professional help. Others can find relief simply by rearranging their schedule.
Life Balance
According to the HelpGuide.org, a child's anxiety can be treated by revaluating their daily schedule. Some children may have such overwhelming social schedules that it results in anxiety and stress. Sports, school and extracurricular pressures can all cause a child unnecessary stress. Try to make sure that a child has adequate time to relax and play. Cut back on additional activities that can cause a child to feel overloaded. Be available to help a child emotionally. Communicate often, urging a child to discuss his worries or concerns. Sometimes the simple act of talking can be a great anxiety reliever.
Therapy
Psychologist Michael G. Conner says that professional therapy can be an effective remedy for child anxiety. There are a variety of therapy programs that vary in length. Most last for about three months. Many therapy programs follow four similar approaches. The prolonged exposure method centers on a child confronting his fear. This can be done in mock situations or real-life examples. The modeling approach is where a child can observe someone else handling the anxiety-provoking situation. The model should give real-time instructions and feedback on how the situation is being handled. The contingency management method rewards a child when anxiety is conquered. Rewards are not offered when the problematic situation is not faced. Finally, the self-management approach teaches a child ways to adapt and mold a future feared situation. This can include stress-reduction techniques and consciously changing their way of thinking.
Medication
Some prescription medications can safely be used to remedy child anxiety. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America explains that a doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications as a short or long-term treatment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most common choice of anxiety treatment medication for children. When using medication to treat a child's anxiety, a parent should be extremely observant for side effects or safety issues. An FDA warning was released in 2004 that said antidepressants may increase thoughts of suicide in kids and adolescents. Any abnormal behavior should immediately be reported to the child's doctor or therapist. However, many children are able to use these types of medications safely.
