About this topic
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear over something. Your child may feel on edge or tense. These are normal responses to stress or new situations. Anxiety becomes a problem when it lasts for a long time. It is also a problem if it is getting in the way of your childs normal activities. Anxiety may affect your child's friends or school life. Your child may have problems with sleeping, eating, and overall health. Anxiety may also affect the whole family or a parent's ability to work. If it becomes a long-term illness, anxiety needs treatment. There are many kinds of anxiety like: ‚
- Being scared all the time that something bad is going to happen. This is general anxiety.
- Strong bursts of fear with physical signs that may feel like a heart attack. This is called a panic attack.
- Upsetting thoughts that happen often. There is a need to repeat certain rituals to help get rid of the anxiety caused by these thoughts. The thoughts or actions may be about checking on things, touching things, or worry about germs.
- Strong fear of an object, place, or condition. This is a phobia.
- Fear of being badly judged or put down by other people. This is social anxiety.
- Nightmares, flashbacks, staying away from people, or having panic attacks when reminded of a shocking or hurtful situation. This is post-traumatic stress.
Anxiety disorder may be treated in many ways. One kind of treatment is to have your child talk about fears and worries. Your child may learn how certain thoughts or feelings can raise anxiety. Your child may also learn what steps to take to lower anxiety. Other kinds of treatment may have your child look back on a hurtful event, sad memory, or feared object. The doctor will help your child deal with the feelings that may come up. Your child may learn skills to cope with unwanted events or thoughts by facing fears in a safe setting. Your child may be referred to a psychiatrist. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- Make your family and friends aware of your childs anxiety and how to help.
- The doctor may want your child to have therapy. This will help your child learn more about anxiety. Your child may also learn ways to cope with feelings.
- The doctor may suggest your child join a support group. Your child may get to know other children who have coped with anxiety.
- Allow time for both exercise and rest for your child.
- Give your child a variety of healthy foods daily and limit drinks with caffeine.
- You and your child should learn the triggers of anxiety.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to help the physical signs of anxiety. Make sure that you give your child the drugs as taught to you by the doctor. Talk with your childs doctor about any side effects. Ask how long your child may be taking a drug. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your child may take part in physical activities. Some children are limited because of their panic or fear. Talk with the doctor about exercise and other activities. ‚
What problems could happen?
If your childs anxiety is not treated, it can result in: ‚
- Staying away from school and social events
- Not being able to do everyday tasks
- Keeping away from family and friends
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Help your child learn to manage stress. Use relaxation methods like deep breathing and muscle relaxation. Things like yoga or tai chi are also good.
- Help your child learn to express thoughts or fears. Encourage your child to talk to you or friends.
- Help your child learn what events or people raise anxiety. Limit contact with these things.
- Seek support from your friends, family, or support group.
- Learn more about anxiety to give you more insight.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Hard for your child to breathe, even if at rest
- Chest pain
- You believe your child may feel unsafe or does not want to be left alone
- You have concerns about your childs drugs
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition and the drugs my child needs to take.
- I can tell you what may help lower my child's anxiety.
- I can tell you what I will do if it is hard for my child to breathe or my child has chest pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child does not feel safe or cannot be alone.
Where can I learn more?
Anxiety Disorders Association of America ‚
http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/anxiety.html ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/anxiety_tips.html?tracking=T_RelatedArticle ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚