Overview
Anxiety disorders are characterized by fear, worry, or dread that greatly impairs the ability to function and is out of proportion to the circumstances.
There are many types of anxiety disorders, distinguished by the main focus of the fear or worry.
Most commonly, children refuse to go to school, often using physical symptoms, such as a stomach ache, as the reason.
Doctors usually base the diagnosis on symptoms but sometimes do tests to rule out disorders that could cause the physical symptoms often caused by anxiety. (See also Overview of Anxiety Disorders in adults.)
All children feel some anxiety sometimes. For example, 3- and 4-year-olds are often afraid of the dark or monsters. Older children and adolescents often become anxious when giving a book report in front of their classmates. Such fears and anxieties are not signs of a disorder. However, if children become so anxious that they cannot function or become greatly distressed, they may have an anxiety disorder. Studies show that about 3% of 6-year-olds, 5% of adolescent boys, and 10% of adolescent girls have anxiety disorders.
People can inherit a tendency to be anxious. Anxious parents tend to have anxious children.
Anxiety disorders include
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Panic disorder
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
Our individuality or uniqueness as a person, which is influenced by our genetic make-up, upbringing and life situations, is the reason why some children experience anxiety more than others.
Do you know …
Children with an anxiety disorder are at increased risk of depression, suicidal behaviour, alcohol and substance use disorders, and academic difficulties later in life.
Homeopathy here can remove anxiety and reduce risk for children, helping them achieve their full potential and live life to the fullest.
There have been two great revelations in my life. The first was bebop, the second was Homeopathy.
Dizzy Gillespie, Great Jazz Musician
Causes of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
The causes of anxiety disorders are not fully known, but the following may be involved:
- Genetic factors including family history of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety tends to run in families.
- Environment (such as experiencing a traumatic event or stress) – An anxiety disorder can be triggered by environmental stresses, such as the breakup of a significant relationship or exposure to a life-threatening disaster.
- Psychologic makeup – Doctors think some of this tendency may be inherited, but some is probably learned by living with anxious people.
- A physical condition – Anxiety can also be caused by a general medical disorder or the use or discontinuation (withdrawal) of a drug.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
Many children with an anxiety disorder refuse to go to school. They may have separation anxiety, social anxiety, or panic disorder or a combination.
Some children talk specifically about their anxiety. For example, they may say “I am worried that I will never see you again” (separation anxiety) or “I am worried the kids will laugh at me” (social anxiety disorder). However, most children complain of physical symptoms, such as a stomach ache. These children are often telling the truth because anxiety often causes an upset stomach, nausea, headaches, and sleep problems in children.
Many children who have an anxiety disorder struggle with anxiety into adulthood. However, with early treatment, many children outgrow their anxiety.
Children with anxiety disorders often feel tired, have problems sleeping, lose their appetite and/or taste for food, and lose weight. The learning ability may decrease. These problems develop gradually.
Constant anxiety can prevent children from learning and experiencing life by doing what they usually enjoy and starts to affect the body as well. They may develop various physical symptoms and pain. They may stop their activities, withdraw socially, and become preoccupied. The mind-body complex is now fully affected and becomes a vicious circle which keeps an individual in suffering mode.
Diagnosis of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
Doctors usually diagnose an anxiety disorder when the child or parents describe typical symptoms. A doctor’s thorough evaluation which includes physical; mental; emotional; social health and environmental influence. Through this evaluation doctors try to identify the cause of anxiety, factors modifying it and the impact of such anxiety on the daily life quality of the child.
Doctors look for other situations that may be causing anxiety, such as stress, change in life situation or a sleep disturbance . Doctors also ask whether relatives have had similar symptoms, because anxiety disorders tend to run in families.
Doctors ask how the child feels; eats; sleeps and goes through a routine day. An insight into life situation and parental relationship is also reviewed. Identifying these changes is critical because they can make the situation better or worse and, if present, must be treated for the disorder to be treated effectively.
Homeopathic Treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
After a thorough evaluation, each case is worked upon and a set of similar medicines is derived, from which one single medicine which fits the patient’s presentation at that time, in relevant intensity and repetitions is given. Some need only one medicine throughout the duration of treatment and some need few in sequence one after another across the treatment.
Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) along with treatment, improve symptoms the most. CBT is a short-term, structured form of talk therapy designed to help people identify and then challenge negative thought patterns so that they can deal with difficult situations more effectively.
When appropriate, treating anxiety in parents at the same time often helps.
Timely follow-ups are essential to keep moving forward towards the goal of treatment and to identify, manage and overcome any obstacles to the outcome.
Outcome of Personalised Homeopathic Treatment
With Individualised Homeopathic treatment focused on the person who is suffering, the outlook is as follows:
- Relieves anxiety
- Boosts metabolism
- Improves sleep
- Improves learning
- Relieves fatigue
- Restores function
- Better moods
- Improves quality of life
Each person is unique and hence the time taken for treatment and the results achieved are also unique.
Try to consult a well qualified professional homeopath who practices adhering to the tenets of Hahnemannian Homeopathy for Best Outcomes.
