Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are among the most common of childhood disorders. These disorders can fall into several categories.
- Phobias which are unrealistic and overwhelming fears of objects or situations.
- Generalized anxiety disorder which causes children to demonstrate a pattern of excessive, unrealistic worry that cannot be attributed to any recent experience.
- Panic disorder which causes terrifying "panic attacks" that include physical symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat and dizziness.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder which causes children to become "trapped" in a pattern of repeated thoughts and behaviors, such as counting or hand washing.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder which causes a pattern of flashbacks and other symptoms and occurs in children who have experienced a psychologically distressing
event, such as abuse, being a victim or witness of violence, or exposure to other types of trauma such as wars or natural
disasters.
Symptoms of childhood and adolescent anxiety disorders:
- Excessive fear, worry or uneasiness
- Headaches, nausea, sweating
- Increase in blood pressure and heart rate
- Weakness and short of breath
- Unable to make decisions or concentrate
- Changing environmental perceptions
What you can do to help
If your child or loved one shows signs of an anxiety disorder, don't wait for the problem to go away by itself. Get help
now.
When you need to talk to someone, turn to Belmont Behavioral Health at 1-800-220-HELP (4357) or (215) 877-2000.
