Does My Child Have Anxiety

Anxiety is a primary player in multiple psychological disorders. While adults more readily identify the symptoms associated with these disorders as directly related to psychological decline, the presentation for children can often be much less obvious. At times these symptoms might mimic other psychological disorders or can even be confused with other medical conditions.

Some things to make note of include:

• Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors: joint cracking, cheek bitting, nose picking, skin/nail biting, hair pulling

• Intense startle response

• Overly self-critical

• Frequent urination

• Sleep dysregulation

• Restlessness

• Disruptive behaviors

• Frequent Somatic complaints: headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach aches

• Not wanting to go to school

• Not turning in homework

• Avoiding socializing

• Irritability

• Memory problems

If your child is experiencing some of the above symptoms it is important to have them evaluated by a licensed clinician.  Huberty, T. (2004). Anxiety and anxiety disorders in children: Information for parents. In S. Canter, L. A. Paige, M. D. Roth, I. Romero, & S. A. Carroll (Eds.), Helping children at home and school II: Handouts for families and educators (pp. S5-1 - S5-3). Washington DC: National Association of School Psychologists.   Chung, F. (2019). Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder in Children. Additude Inside the ADHD Mind. https://www.additudemag.com/