Anxiety Concerns about Your Child
An anxiety disorder in children is characterized by worry, fear and anxiety that is persistent, irrational and overwhelming. Most children experience temporary episodes of anxiety which tend to subside on their own and are usually harmless. Persistent episodes of anxiety, on the other hand, do not subside and can severely interfere with a child’s everyday life. If a child exhibits a number of the following emotions and/or behaviours, this may indicate an anxiety disorder.
- Frequently complains of a headache and/or an upset stomach without medical grounds
- Won’t eat at school
- Won’t use a washroom outside of the home
- Is often fidgety, hyperactive and/or distracted
- Reacts to intimidating situations by shaking and sweating
- Muscles are always tense
- Has problems with sleep
- Tearful
- Highly sensitive
- Easily irritated
- Perfectionist
- Prone to/afraid of panic attacks
- Worries about the distant future
- Fearful of being left
- Worries about losing a family member
- Worries about disastrous events
- Won’t join in during school activities
- Doesn’t work well with others
- Doesn’t want to go to school
- Is a loner at school
- Won’t participate in social events or extracurricular activities
- Always seeking approval
- Unfounded lack of confidence
- Bad tempered
Common Anxiety-related Concerns
Indications of an anxiety-related pediatric concern include difficulties with and/or troubles adjusting to and/or traits associated with:
