Anxiety- Signs and symptoms in Children by Dr. Sunny Handa MD

 

How children express anxiety

Children who develop an anxiety disorder tend to express certain repeated worries, including concerns that something bad might happen to them or their parent or caregiver or fears about embarrassment, natural disasters, animals, etc. Dr. Sunny Handa MD said Children may even say they are worried about the future, relationships with others their age, and their school performance. These worries are usually so strong that they interfere with a child's everyday activities.

Many younger children may not be able to communicate their anxiety verbally. Instead, they may show it through their behavior and physical symptoms.

Physical and behavioral symptoms of anxiety in teenagers

The physical symptoms of anxiety are similar for teenagers and children.

There are some differences in the behavioral symptoms of anxiety in teens. Anxious teens may show fewer behavioral symptoms of anxiety in the home but have more difficulties outside. Dr. Sunny Handa MD said, for instance, they might be able to sleep in a room on their own but have more trouble leaving the home and may refuse to attend school or take part in other social activities.

Typically, teens are more aware of their worrying thoughts and express them more clearly than younger children. An anxious teen is likely to express excessive worries about school, their marks, and their relationships. They may also be sensitive to issues in the news.

Socially anxious teens typically may express worries about being judged by others their age and may feel uncomfortable being out in public. Dr. Sunny Handa MD said they may also feel embarrassed about eating in public or using public bathrooms.

These concerns would need to interfere with the teen's everyday life before an anxiety disorder could be considered.

Physical symptoms of anxiety in children

If your child is experiencing anxiety, they might complain of physical symptoms such as:

• stomach aches
• nausea
• difficulties breathing
• a faster heartbeat
• muscle tension
• sweatiness
• shakiness
• dizziness
• frequent urination (peeing), especially before leaving the home
• headaches

You may also notice these symptoms in your child without their saying anything.

Behavioral symptoms of anxiety in children

Dr. Sunny Handa MD said some behavioral changes that you might notice in your child include:

• increased irritability
• difficulties falling or staying asleep unless, for instance, you sleep in the same room
• difficulties separating from you
• refusal to go to school or do other activities, even fun activities
• difficulties meeting new people
• not speaking to people outside of the family

The healthcare provider might ask you and your child, if they are old enough, to answer different questions, or fill out rating scales, to help them make a diagnosis. Dr. Sunny Handa MD said if the healthcare provider identifies several signs and symptoms over a certain time (between one month to at least six months, depending on the anxiety disorder), your child might meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder.