Treatment for Childhood Anxiety

There are fears that can be part of the normal development of a child. When fears interfere with normal functioning in school, with friends or with family, it becomes time to seek out help for your child. Treatments are available that can help your child overcome anxiety.

Symptoms

• Irrational or unexplainable fears that cause the child to avoid situations are one sign of a childhood anxiety. Crying, stomachaches, headaches, shaking, trembling are all physical signs of the fear the child is feeling.

Identification

• If you believe that your child is suffering from anxiety, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends that you see a psychologist to assess your child's behavior and symptoms. A child psychologist can offer treatment options.

Therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches specific skills for learning how to deal with anxiety. Medications like anti-depressants are sometimes prescribed in severe cases where therapy alone is not effective.

Types of Anxiety

• Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, specific anxiety, selective mutism, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are different kinds of anxiety that children can suffer from. A psychologist can determine what disorder it is based on the child's symptoms.

Time Frame

• According to Child Anxiety, some children can finish treatment and be free of their anxiety in 12 sessions. Treatment length depends on the child and the disorder.

Risk Factors

• Anxiety can sometimes occur from a child suffering a traumatic event in their life, such as abuse or death of someone close to them. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, genetics and environment can also have a role in why children develop anxiety disorders.