Anxiety Symptoms in Kids

Anxiety is not only an adult's mental health issue, but also a child's issue. Kids often express anxiety symptoms differently than adults. Because the symptoms differ, anxiety often goes unnoticed among children. If treated early, parents can prevent anxiety from disrupting their child's emotional growth from childhood to adolescence to adulthood.

Background

• While anxiety disorders are often thought of as an adult condition, many children develop anxiety as well. Childhood anxiety ranges from separation anxiety in early childhood to social anxiety in middle childhood to early adolescence. Moreover, girls are more likely to develop anxiety than boys are. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, as many as one in 10 children have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is also hereditary; if the parents have anxiety, the children are more likely to as well.

Difference Between Children and Adults

• Because children are often embarrassed or unable to express their anxiety, the symptoms can be hard to spot and diagnose. Some children may hide their symptoms. In addition, sometimes the symptoms manifest themselves as other problems like poor grades and/or getting into trouble at school.

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

• Physical symptoms of anxiety in children include headaches and stomachaches. These symptoms usually occur before that anxiety-causing event. For example, some children may become scared or defiant before going to school and develop stomach problems. Other children may exhibit symptoms that are more tangible. Frequent urination and diarrhea are common among anxious children. Other physical symptoms include insomnia, fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath.

Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety

• Emotional symptoms of anxiety include irritability and trouble concentrating. You may find that your child may act out more than normal when they're experiencing anxiety. This could happen at home or at school. According to the Merck Manual, the most common manifestation of anxiety is the refusal to go to school. Older children sometimes are able to express their anxiety verbally, explaining their fears. You may find that they say that they're scared that no one will like them. On the other hand, they may explain that they're afraid of being away from home.

Warning

• If your child has any symptoms of anxiety or any other mental health problems, contact your health-care provider. Anxiety is treatable, especially when diagnosed early. Untreated anxiety can result in problems throughout their childhood. The children whose symptoms go unnoticed or untreated often perform poorly in school. They also may develop poor social skills. If serious enough, drug and alcohol abuse may occur as they reach the teenage years and adulthood.