Family Physician: A Friend to Depend On

Posted on: 16 January 2023

Anxiety is a mental health disorder that people of any age experience. Anxiety can manifest differently in children than adults, making diagnosis and treatment even more complicated. It's important to understand how anxiety works in children so parents can identify it and get the right help. Here's what you need to know.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotional state characterized by worry, fear, and unease. It's important to note that everyone experiences some level of anxiety from time to time. However, when these feelings are persistent or interfere with someone's daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. For children, this may mean difficulty concentrating on school work, avoiding going to school or social activities, or having physical symptoms like nausea or headaches.

How Do You Get an Anxiety Diagnosis for a Child?

If you think your child may be experiencing anxiety, the first step is to talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. They can rule out any physical causes of your child's symptoms and refer you to a mental health professional if necessary. The mental health professional will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if your child has anxiety, diagnose the type and severity, and develop an anxiety treatment plan.

What Is Anxiety Treatment?

Anxiety treatment typically includes counseling sessions with a therapist specializing in treating anxiety disorders and medication management if needed. The therapist will work with your child to identify triggers for their anxious thoughts and behaviors as well as teach them coping strategies such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques that they can use to manage their symptoms. For younger children, play therapy may also be used to help them process their emotions in a safe space.

What Are the Benefits of Anxiety Treatment for Children?

There are many benefits of anxiety treatment for children, including:

• Manage symptoms so that they don't interfere with everyday life
• Learn coping skills that help them better manage their anxious thoughts
• Participate in activities feeling overwhelmed or scared
• Improved relationships with peers and family members
• Better academic performance

Overall, getting the right help for your child's anxiety will help them lead happier lives.

Anxiety is a real issue that affects many children today, but there are resources available to help manage it effectively. If you suspect your child might be struggling with anxiety, it's important to talk with your pediatrician right away so they can get the help they need. With proper diagnosis and anxiety treatment from a qualified mental health professional, children can learn valuable coping skills for managing their anxious thoughts and behaviors.

To learn more, contact a mental health professional or service in your area such as BrainCore Therapy of Louisville