What is Anxiety?

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Just like adults, children and adolescents experience stressful situations in life; however some young people have such intense feelings of anxiety that they are unable to function properly. The presence of an anxiety disorder can impact how a young person feels and behaves on a daily basis. Furthermore, if anxiety disorders are not properly treated the distressing symptoms can be long-lasting, often leading to a number of negative consequences, including poor school performance, lack of appropriate social skills, conflicts at home, and the possible development of substance abuse.

Though anxiety disorders can be extremely disruptive in a young person’s life, fortunately, these problems can be treated — and the sooner treatment is sought, the higher the chance that further difficulties can be prevented.

Statistics

Statistics on PDD

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions. These disorders are known to affect individuals of all ages and from all backgrounds. More specifically, it is estimated that 8% of adolescents in the United States have an anxiety disorder.

Causes and Risks

Causes and Risk Factors for Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

No one knows for sure what causes the manifestation of an anxiety disorder. However, a majority of scientists believe that there is a genetic component as well contributions from certain life experiences that can lead to the development of anxiety. Consider the following:

Genetic: Many years of research has demonstrated that anxiety disorders tend to run in families. This means that children or adolescents who have a close relative with an anxiety disorder are more likely to develop anxiety than are others without such family history.

Environmental: Mental health professionals have also recognized the role that environmental factors play in the development of mental health disorders such as anxiety. For example, a child who experiences a traumatic event or grows up in a stressful home environment is more likely to develop anxiety.

Risk Factors:

Being female
Exposure to chronic stress, violence, and/or trauma
Lack of effective coping skills
Family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders
Inadequate support system
Experiencing abrupt life changes
Familial conflicts

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder

The signs and symptoms of anxiety in children and adolescents are going to vary depending upon the specific anxiety disorder a child is struggling with. Also, although similar, the symptoms of anxiety disorders in young persons may be different than those present in adults. Furthermore, presenting symptoms will also depend upon each child’s individual characteristics. Some of the most common signs and symptoms may include:

Behavioral symptoms:

Quick to anger
Bed wetting
Avoidance of certain activities
Extreme dependence or clinginess
Difficulty making friends
Profound shyness
Social withdrawal or isolation
Restlessness or pacing
Compulsive behaviors
Extreme resistance to change
Procrastination
Exaggerated startle response

Physical symptoms:

Fast heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Headaches
Stomachaches
Trembling hands
Muscle tension
Lightheadedness
Sweating
Extreme fatigue

Cognitive symptoms:

Nightmares or night terrors
Constant worrying about future events
Difficulties with concentration
Racing thoughts
Detachment from one’s surroundings
Impaired memory
Cyclical thinking
Inability to make decisions
Ritualistic thinking
Fleeting ideas
Depersonalization

Psychosocial symptoms:

Irritability
Frequent feelings of panic and fear
Fear of embarrassment or of making mistakes
Depression
Feelings of hopelessness
Fear of dying or losing control
Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
Unpredictable mood
Ongoing nervousness

Effects

Effects of Anxiety

With proper treatment and support, anxiety disorders in children and adolescents can be effectively managed. Unfortunately, many do not get the treatment they need, and continue to struggle with a number of long-term consequences. Some of the most common effects of anxiety in children and adolescents include:

Poor school performance
Behavioral problems
Low self-esteem and sense of self-worth
Relationship difficulties among family and friends
Depression
Physical problems including headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue
Insomnia
Substance abuse problems
Conflict within the family
Suicidal ideations and attempts

Co-Occurring

Anxiety and Co-Occurring Disorders

It is very common for a child or adolescent with an anxiety disorder to struggle with an additional mental health disorder. The following conditions are often diagnosed in individuals who have anxiety disorders: