Fear of the dark, fear of strangers, fear of death. At various stages of a child’s development, certain fears are expected, normal, and possibly even life-preserving. However, sometimes fear and anxiety can become overwhelming.
What symptoms might you see in an overanxious child? Young children often display anxiety with stomachaches, headaches, chewing their lips, picking or chewing their fingernails/skin, hair pulling, sleeping problems (difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, night terrors, sleepwalking, bedwetting), trouble separating from parents (sleeping only in their parent’s bed, school avoidance), social isolation, or unusual preoccupations and rituals.
The causes of anxiety vary with each child. Genetics frequently play a part in predisposing children to certain anxieties. Obsessions and rituals that are formally in the “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)” category, panic attacks, and tendencies to be “tightly wound” or “anxious” seem to have strong DNA roots. Children that are particularly sensitive to pain, noise, environmental change, and other sensory experiences often have neurologic circuitry that runs in family members and makes them especially vulnerable. Being overwhelmed by one’s environment or changes that are part of daily life predisposes people to anxiety. Besides genetics, trauma can also produce nervous system alterations that result in an easily irritated, “anxious” state. Reminders of the trauma can trigger a heightened anxiety experience and recurrent nightmares.
Treatment depends upon the type of anxiety and its intensity. Most of the time “talking therapy” will greatly help. The ultimate goal is to give the child coping strategies to employ now and in the future. This enhances self-esteem, self-empowerment, and independence. There are many techniques proven to be effective. Medication may be needed and can truly save a child’s ability to function in everyday life. The safety and efficacy of medicine depends greatly on the child’s developmental stage, family history, and any co-occurring medical/psychological conditions.
Childhood anxiety can be normal or it may severely affect a child’s everyday life. Knowing what to watch for is the first step. Getting a good assessment should follow. The safest and most efficient treatment options can then be tailor-made to your child. Current approaches available are not perfect, but can greatly improve a child’s quality of life.
If you have any further questions or concerns, or would like more information about Dr. Steinberg and his practice, please feel free to call 818-224-3540, or check out his website at www.lancesteinbergmd.net.