Children are faced with different types of anxiety every day. Some children have difficulties dealing with the same types of stress other children can conquer. There are four types of anxiety disorders including, sepearation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders and simple phobias.
According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Separation Anxiety Disorder is "excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the child is attached. The disorder is in direct connection to a child's attachment habits and will be further discussed in the next section.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD) is excessive worry over general activities which may include going to school or another new experience. The reason for the exaggerated tension is rarely provoked and appears for no apparent reason. Patients with generalized anxiety disorder often realize their anxiety is unwarranted but are unable to to relax. Symptoms also include restlessness and fatigue, irritability and muscle tension. The symptoms of GAD usually disappear with age or after treatment with medications (buspirone is most common) and a type of therapy called cognitive-behaviorial therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback to control muscle tension.
Panic disorders usually result in unexpected panic attacks, where the patient experiences sudden and intense anxiety often associated with feelings of impending doom. Panic attacks can result in physical discomfort such as shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Panic disorders may lead to phobias or depression. Many people with panic disorders may develop agoraphobia when the patient's fear of having a panic attack prevents them leaving or wanting to leave the house. Panic disorders are most commonly treated with a combination of cognitive-behaviorial therapy and medication.
Phobias are irrational fears of a specific object, activity or situation. This type of anxiety disorder is most common among children and nearly 43% of children aged 6-12 have some kind of phobia. The disorder usually dissolves after childhood and very few children are actually treated for phobias, however if the phobia becomes so irrational that it prevents the child from normal, daily activities it can become harmful. Treatments usually include, desensitization, medication, and/or therapy. |
