ADHD and the Brain

Taking Notice of Anxiety Symptoms in children

There are people who believe that children are happy go lucky individuals who do not possibly have a serious care in the world and are not prone to anxiety. In reality, children are as susceptible to anxiety as adults. Taking note of the different possible anxiety symptoms in children can help them get the kind of attention they need.

Where do these anxiety symptoms in children come from and what do parents have to do to ascertain whether or not their child is indeed suffering from an anxiety disorder? The emergence of anxiety symptoms in children can be seen when a child is presented with a situation that may seem scary to them or when they are faced with a sudden monumental change in their lives. While adults around them may reason that such a fear of the unknown or nervousness over something new may be reasonable, anxiety that goes beyond what is perceived to be normal can indeed be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Parents or the guardians of these young ones who do not know how to tell whether a child’s nervousness is indeed normal or a result of an anxiety disorder will need to consult a professional just to make sure.

Some of the more telltale anxiety symptoms in children include certain physical symptoms that come with the feeling of fear. Once a child with an anxiety disorder is faced with a certain situation they find scary or fearful, they often experience a few physical symptoms along with the emotions, like sleeping problems, an upset stomach, difficulty in breathing or even a rapid heartbeat. It is also possible that the child who is experiencing anxiety or is likely suffering from an anxiety disorder will feel some dizziness, be hyperactive or throw a temper tantrum when placed in a situation that they are fearful of or dread experiencing.

Anxiety symptoms in children are often pretty difficult to diagnose and may even be misdiagnosed as something else. If not seen at an early age, a child can very well carry such anxiety into adulthood which can then result in relationship problems or even addiction problems. Being able to tell whether a child is suffering from anxiety can help prevent the destruction of a child’s life later on in adulthood. Knowing what to look out for when it comes to anxiety symptoms in children may take more than just a cursory glance and may require a bit of study with help from learned professionals who can teach parents and guardians what signs point to such a problem.

Post Traumatic Stress In Children

Most people have heard of shell shock, combat stress and battlefield flashbacks. These synonyms for post traumatic stress do not, however, tell the full story. This serious mental condition is not reserved for adults and it does not solely impact veterans. Children, too, are subject to the repetitive terrors post traumatic stress can ditch out.

As it is with adults, so is it for children as far as the causes of post traumatic stress. A combination of factors comes together and flips the switch for the onset of this condition. The physical, psychological causes can include genetics and brain chemistry. The triggers, however, are almost always violent and are very traumatic. Children with post traumatic stress are likely to contract the condition following:

• Sexual abuse. Children who endure sexual abuse are sometimes subject to the onset of post traumatic stress.
• Violence. Children who witness serious violent acts, especially if they involve the death of loved ones, are more likely to develop most traumatic stress.
• Serious accident, natural trauma. Children who witness or are involved in serious crashes, especially involving death, can contract this condition. It is also possible for young survivors of natural disasters to face some of the problems associated with post traumatic stress.

Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms

Youngsters are subject to all of the same symptoms that adults face with post traumatic stress. They, however, may also display a few others that their caregivers are likely to notice. The common symptoms of this condition in children include:

• Flashbacks. This is the prime trait of this condition no matter the sufferer’s age. During flashbacks, victims of this condition vividly relive the experience that caused them trauma.
• Fear of flashback triggers. Children and adults are both likely to avoid anything they believe will trigger a flashback. This can include anything from particular images on television to sounds, smells and locations.
• Clinging behavior. While adults sometimes withdraw to avoid triggers, children are very likely to cling to a parent or other loved one. They might find it very difficult to be separated from the person they find safety and comfort in.

Treating Post Traumatic Stress

Both children and adults can benefit greatly from therapy. The Mayo Clinic points to a very good track record of recovery for patients who undergo a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Post traumatic stress is a serious condition that can greatly impact the life of an adult and even a child. Treating this condition if it is present can help give a child the footing he or she needs to overcome flashbacks and move on with life following a traumatic event.