Anxiety Disorders In Children - Recognize the Warning Signs In Your Children Before It Takes Control

When anxiety disorders affect adults, at least we have the mature capability of approaching the disorder and trying to seek out ways to cure the problem. Anxiety disorders in children are a different matter entirely. Children do not have the same development of the mind, and they do not have the life experiences that an adult does. In addition, they may not know how to express their problems to an adult.

For this reason, it is vital that we, as adults, take notice of strange behavior in children so that anxiety disorders can be caught and handled quickly. If anxiety disorders in children are not addressed, a whole number of problems can develop.

Once the disorder takes control, children may become disruptive. They may exhibit bad behavior. They may completely withdrawal within themselves. They may begin to fail classes. In addition, they may turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of escape from their problem.

Since anxiety presents itself differently in children, you must train yourself to recognize warning signs. When you can easily separate true anxiety disorders from common mild childhood anxiety, you will be able to watch the kids in your life carefully.

First, you must remember that some minor anxiety is common for anyone, including children. Many children are afraid of the dark or scary things in their closet. School aged children may fret over a test or a particularly difficult homework assignment. As long as this type of anxiety is minor, it is not a problem and it is to be expected.

True anxiety disorders in children become a consuming factor in their lives. When a child becomes so fearful of the monster in the closet that they do not sleep or they worry about it during the day, this could be a sign of a real disorder.

The warning signs of childhood disorders include excessive worrying over one subject, disrupted sleeping or eating habits, inability to focus, withdrawal or refusal to talk, and excessive fear of being separated from the parents. You must remember that a child will not be able to explain what is wrong the way an adult could.

Anxiety disorders in children are very real. They are present, and they need to be addressed as soon as they are noticed. Otherwise, the disorder could lead to greater, detrimental problems as the child grows up. The warning signs are there, and they just need to be noticed by an adult.