Does my child have anxiety?
When people think of anxiety, they don’t often think of kids having it, but the truth is that around 7.1 percent of children between the ages of 3 to 17 years old have been diagnosed with anxiety, according to the CDC. While a little bit of worry or nervousness is normal, it’s also essential to spot the signs of anxiety, so you know when to turn to our Brookfield, and Addison, IL, doctor Dr. Walter Perez for support and help for your child.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Anxiety?
Many symptoms are associated with anxiety, and how one child displays anxiety symptoms may differ from another. Symptoms can range from emotional and behavioral to physical. Some general symptoms include,
- Increased irritability
- Prone to anger or outbursts
- Lack of concentration
- Trouble relaxing
- Nightmare or trouble sleeping
- Low self-esteem
- Unexplained physical ailments such as headaches and stomachaches
- Nervousness, shaking or sweating
- Excessive worry
What Are the Different Kinds of Anxiety?
Our Brookfield and Addison, IL, medical team sees several different types of anxiety disorders in children. Some of the most common ones include,
Generalized anxiety: This is most common in school-age children and is characterized as extreme or constant worry without a cause. Kids with generalized anxiety may worry about their appearance, social situations, being accepted by family or peers, or the future.
Phobia: Sometimes, children develop an extreme fear of a specific situation or object. Common phobias include needles, doctors, spiders or flying.
Separation anxiety: This type of anxiety is common amongst preschoolers as they may be separated from parents due to daycare, school or sleepovers. Children with separation anxiety may fear or worry when not with their parents. They may also be excessively clingy when they are reunited.
Suppose anxiety impacts your child’s school, relationships or quality of life. In that case, it’s time to schedule an appointment with our Brookfield and Addison, IL, physician Dr. Perez and the A to Z Pediatric and Youth Healthcare team. Call (708) 905-5993 or (630) 757-4010.