Are you worried about how anxiety may be impacting your own child’s life? Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time, but frequent or persistent anxiety can interfere with our children’s development in life. When a kids worry or child’s fear that may be typical for young children does not get better over time, or if they start to interfere with your child’s normal everyday activities like school, play, family time, or bedtime- it could be an indication of an anxiety disorder.
The prevalence of anxiety in children is estimated to be around 9-10%, has been increasing yearly, and is more common in girls than in boys
Depending on the severity of the anxiety problem, children may need a combination of different treatment options. Medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help children manage their anxiety and improve their overall well-being. It’s also essential that parents and caregivers are educated and involved in the child’s treatment plan. If in school, it’s a good idea to involve the child’s teacher, so they’re aware of the plan and how it may affect their interactions at school. Anxiety in both younger children and older children can be treated in several ways, including: Medication can be used to help manage the symptoms. The most commonly used medications for treating kids with severe anxiety are antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication. Antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help to reduce feelings of worry, nervousness, and restlessness. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood. It may take several weeks for SSRIs to start working, and they may cause nausea, headaches, and insomnia. Anti-anxiety medication can also help reduce anxiety symptoms in children. These medications work by decreasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that can cause anxiety. Benzodiazepines can be helpful in the short term, but they may cause drowsiness and have the potential for addiction if used for an extended period (7). Abrupt discontinuation of medications used to treat anxiety can cause withdrawal symptoms, like rebound anxiety, insomnia, flu-like symptoms and other uncomfortable physical sensations(8). A key reason it is so important to work with a healthcare provider to gradually taper off the medication when the time is appropriate. Overall, while medication can be an effective treatment option, it should be used carefully and under the supervision of a healthcare provider to minimize the risk of adverse effects. Medication should only be used in conjunction with therapy and under a doctor’s or psychiatrist’s guidance. Some drugs can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms, but it should not be considered the only or even a solo treatment option. Parents should know that medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it may take some time to find the proper medication and dosage for a child. The decision to use medication to treat the child should be made after a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional and a discussion with the child and their parents or caregivers. It’s also important to monitor the child for any side effects and adjust the medication accordingly. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy are commonly used to treat children’s anxiety. CBT is a talk therapy that helps children understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. That allows them to develop coping mechanisms for managing their anxiety (9). Family therapy can also be beneficial as it involves the whole family and helps to improve communication and understanding within the family. A University of Connecticut Health study found that family therapy for families with parents diagnosed with anxiety can PREVENT children from being diagnosed with anxiety and that the therapy was significantly more successful than simply giving parents a handout that explained anxiety disorders (10). Overall, therapy as a family can be an important and effective part of treating symptoms of anxiety in kids, as it can address both the individual child’s needs and the family’s functioning as a whole. Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy has been shown to improve social anxiety disorder in children that have a stutter (11), and there have been multiple studies to prove that play therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety for children who are hospitalized, but we couldn’t find any definitive studies that discuss play therapy as a treatment for anxiety in kids that are not undergoing medical treatment. However, there are many therapists and companies that support play therapy as a treatment for anxiety disorders based on their anecdotal evidence (12). Regular exercise, relaxation techniques, and good sleep hygiene can make a huge difference in your children’s lives. Exercise has been shown to impact mood positively and can be a great way to help children manage their anxiety. It’s recommended to get 60 minutes of exercise a day, especially if your child is dealing with anxiety. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation can be helpful. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and developing healthy sleep habits can improve overall well-being and reduce anxiety symptoms. Some children become anxious with a change in their daily routine. So, preparing your anxious child ahead of time for a change involves telling them what will happen and why (6). It’s essential to recognize that anxiety can be a chronic condition and require ongoing management. With the proper treatment, children can tackle their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. It’s essential to seek professional help if you suspect your child suffers from anxiety. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/parents-caregivers https://www.worrywisekids.org/ Book: Helping Your Anxious Child: A Step-By-Step Guide For Parents Book: Freeing Your Child From Anxiety Book: What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety Book: Sometimes I’m Anxious: A Child’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety As a parent, it can be difficult to see your child anxious, but with early recognition and appropriate treatment, anxiety in children can be effectively managed. If you suspect your child is experiencing anxiety, it is very important to seek help from a mental health professional that specializes in children’s health. They will perform an evaluation and determine the best course of treatment, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Although we want you to take it seriously, please remember that children can learn to manage their anxiety and have full happy lives with proper support.Treatment
Medications
Therapy
CBT
Therapy As A Family
Play Therapy
Lifestyle Changes
Resources for Parents and Caregivers:
Final words
Sources:
1.) https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/anxiety-depression-children.html
2.) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
3.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11758699/ doi: 10.1016/s0005-7967(00)00107-8
4.) https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/depression.html
5.) https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/anxiety-in-children-2018081414532
6.) https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/anxiety-in-children/
7.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6119192/
8.) https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/going-off-antidepressants
9.) https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
11.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34106582/ doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000024350
12.) https://www.tribecaplaytherapy.com/blog/2017/12/7/how-does-play-therapy-reduce-anxiety-in-children