Anxiety Attacks in Children

One of the common problems found in children, anxiety attacks are often neglected. Treating anxiety attacks in children in a timely manner is important to prevent it from becoming a chronic health problem. One of the reasons behind anxiety attacks being left untreated is that children are afraid of discussing such problems. Nowadays, the problem of anxiety related disorders or mental illnesses is on a rise and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of them. Let us understand what causes anxiety attacks in children through the information mentioned in the following paragraphs.

Facts about Anxiety Attacks in Children
The manifestation of anxiety attacks can take place in the form of excessive worry, low self-esteem, difficulty in adjusting with day-to-day situations, poor relationships with peers, etc. Anxiety arises or shows up when a person loses control over his/her mind. The loss of control is also associated with fear. In extreme cases, one faces the fear of dying. The common anxiety symptoms exhibited by a person suffering from anxiety attacks are shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, lightheadedness, etc. These anxiety attacks, also known as panic attacks, take different forms as children grow up. In most cases, mood fluctuations and anxiety disorders found in adults are the result of untreated anxiety attacks in childhood.

Anxiety and panic attacks in children create problems in their social life. They face difficulties in making friends, communicating with peers, etc. There are extreme cases in which children are afraid to attend schools or even leave home. The problem associated with socializing is termed as social anxiety. In one form of anxiety disorder, the child worries a lot about things from the past, and also the future. An upcoming event in school might be the reason behind anxiety attacks. Some children have an intense fear about examinations. The anxiety experienced in such cases could be of extreme levels. Separation from parents in early age could also be the reason behind the development of anxiety in children. This problem is termed as separation anxiety. Failure in parent-child bonding is also one of the reason behind the development of anxiety disorders in children. The basic necessities of children are not fulfilled in such cases. Deprivation of motherly affection is an important causes behind such anxiety disorders.

Controlling Anxiety Attacks in Children
The problems underlying the anxiety attacks may be varied. Thus, one should consult a doctor to first understand the exact cause behind anxiety attacks. The treatment for anxiety attacks may include psychotherapy along with medications. There are different anxiety medications for children that help deal with his problem. Natural treatments too are available for dealing with anxiety attacks. Children respond to treatment quickly in comparison to adults. Thus, the anxiety problems need to be dealt in the adolescent period itself.

Parents can play an important role in helping children to overcome panic attacks. Elders need to discuss with children the various problems faced by them. Sorting the problems one by one helps in providing relief and calms the mind. Parents should take professional help in learning different techniques used for treating children suffering from panic attacks. Teaching children the importance of positive self-talk helps in overcoming anxiety attacks. The above-mentioned anxiety cures should help in overcoming anxiety disorders. At least the problem can be minimized with these treatments.

Though the problem of anxiety attacks in children appears to be simple, it should be given due importance and treatment offered in a timely manner. The above article would act as a guide in dealing with anxiety in children. It should always be kept in mind that leaving this condition untreated can be detrimental to the child's health not only during childhood, but in adulthood as well.