Five-Year-Olds With Anxiety

Most five-year-olds display anxiety from time to time. However, in some cases the anxiety may become so severe that the child is unable to participate at school or sleep at night. Caregivers should consult a physician if anxiety becomes severe.

Types

• Young children may experience different types of anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder or phobias.

Significance

• According to the National Mental Health Information Center, about 13 percent of all children are affected by some type of anxiety disorder. Girls typically experience anxiety disorder more often. Also, about 50 percent of those children with one type of anxiety disorder will also have another mental health disorder or a behavioral problem.

Early Signs

• Researchers indicate that young children who are extremely shy and withdrawn are more prone to developing anxiety disorders. Also, anxiety disorders more commonly affect children who have parents with anxiety disorders.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of an anxiety disorder may include excessive worry, fear and nervousness. Anxiety may also cause physical symptoms such as headache, stomach ache, sweating, increased heart rate and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include refusal to go to school, tantrums when separated from parents and nightmares.

Treatment

• Treatment for children with anxiety disorders may include a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, parent education, relaxation exercises and anti-anxiety or other medications.