All kids have times when they worry and panic too much. However, when these feelings become excessive and persist over a long period of time to the point they start impacting your child’s lifestyle and daily tasks, it could be an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders in children can often be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms are presented through their thoughts and feelings, which is why anxiety often goes unnoticed in children. Here are some ways to determine if your child has an anxiety disorder, what the treatment should include, and more.

Anxiety Disorders in Children

If your child has outgrown their fear or if the worries are becoming excessive and intrusive, there is a chance that your child has an anxiety disorder. Anxiety in children can present itself in numerous ways. Here are the most common anxiety disorders in children:

Separation Anxiety

This is quite common in toddlers and younger children. When your child excessively fears being separated from their parents or primary caretaker, they may suffer separation anxiety.

General Anxiety

If your child is extremely worried or scared of the future, bad events, and other areas of their life, they may be diagnosed with generalized or general anxiety.

Phobias

This involves excessive fear of an object, event, or situation. For example, if they are afraid of dogs, going to the doctor, ghosts, etc.

Social Anxiety

This involves an intense fear of interacting with people, being in situations, or being left out. Children with social anxiety may be extremely reluctant to go to school.

Panic Disorder

Children with panic disorders have unexpected bursts of fear with accompanying symptoms like chest pains, dizziness, and headaches.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders in Children

If you suspect your child has an anxiety disorder, you should look for the following symptoms:

• Trouble sleeping
• Stomach aches or headaches
• Chest pains
• Overly dependent on parents or avoidant
• Trouble focusing on school and homework

When these symptoms become excessive and start interfering with their work, tasks, and relationships, you should seek professional help.

Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Children

Anxiety often comes and goes in children, so parents don’t need to be too worried. However, if your child is not doing okay and the symptoms are excessive, you should get them checked by a professional.

The medical professional will likely recommend therapy for your child as anxiety disorders are often triggered by trauma or certain events in the child’s life. However, in some severe cases, medication may be necessary.

The doctor will devise a therapy plan involving the parents and school to work together to improve the child’s mental health.

Advocate My Meds Can Help You

If your child has an anxiety disorder and requires medication for treatment, you can get in touch with Advocate My Meds. We run a country-wide prescription assistance program that helps thousands of Americans pay for their medication.

Individuals who are underinsured or uninsured are eligible for this program. To learn more about the full-service prescription assistance programs and eligibility requirements, visit our website.