Anxiety in Children and Teens

Recently there has been a significant amount of research revealing a significant rise in both the frequency and intensity of anxiety in our children and teens.  Additionally, I have seen a substantial increase in referrals for toddler, child and teen anxiety in my practice as have my colleagues with whom I collaborate.

While symptoms vary depending on the age of your child and the type of anxiety some behaviors and situations are provided here for your consideration.

  1. Has my child had trouble adjusting to school this year? (Remember separation anxiety to daycare and early childhood programs is normal but should disappear after a few days once you have left the premises.)
  2. Does my child seem to worry or appear afraid about “bad things” like getting hurt more than usual?
  3. Does my child appear fearful during normal daily activities, like playing outside.
  4. Is my child afraid of trying “new things” even when they show interest, like playing in an organized sport like soccer or gymnastics or in a new activity, like guitar lessons?
  5. Has my child had a change in there eating habits (both more or less)?
  6. Does my child complain of frequent stomach aches or headaches right before an activity and it typically does not occur when no activity is planned?
  7. Has my child been directly exposed to frightening experiences or accidently heard of bad things happening in the news or from an adult?
  8. Does my child tend to get “shaky” or say “my heart is pounding” or “I can’t breathe” when there is no known medical cause?
  9. Is my child “sticking to themselves” more than usual?
  10. Is my child having trouble sleeping?
  11. Is my child waking up with “bad dreams” more than once a week?
  12. Does my child seem overly afraid to go to school or afraid to leave being very close to me?
  13. Have teacher’s reported my child is having trouble paying attention or seems preoccupied?
  14. Does my child/teen seem to be upset or overly quiet after spending time on their electronic devices or apps?
  15. Does anxiety “run” in our family?
  16. Has our family been having a “tough time” lately?

If you have answered “Yes” to some of these questions, a consultation with your pediatrician, or a licensed child psychologist or licensed social worker/ therapist may be in order.  A skilled licensed health care provider can calm your own anxiety about your child or provide you recommendations for appropriate treatment if it is warranted.

Please reach out if I can be of assistance.

Dr. M