Anxiety Specialist

What is anxiety?

Anxiety occurs when you feel anxious or fearful and constantly worry about things that don’t bother most other people. Everyone experiences anxiety occasionally, but if it negatively affects a child’s school performance or interpersonal relationships, treatment can help them better cope with their condition. 

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Common signs and symptoms associated with anxiety include:

• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Feeling tense
• Fearfulness
• Sense of danger or doom
• Panic
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Rapid breathing
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble sleeping
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Difficulty controlling worry

With anxiety, kids might purposely avoid things or situations that trigger anxiety symptoms and feel fearful or uncomfortable in social situations. Teenagers with anxiety may have temptations to misuse drugs or alcohol. 

What are the risk factors for anxiety?

Anxiety can happen to any child or teen, but some factors increase their risk of developing it. Examples include:

• Stress buildup
• Illnesses
• Diseases
• Past trauma
• Mental disorders
• Certain personality traits
• Family history of anxiety disorder

At the first sign of anxiety that negatively affects your child's quality of life, see the Pediatric Associates of Kentwood team for an evaluation.

How does my doctor diagnose anxiety?

To find out if your child has anxiety, their pediatrician discusses their symptoms and medical history. They check vital signs, complete a physical exam and psychiatric evaluation, and may recommend your child undergo blood tests to detect or rule out underlying medical problems.

What are common treatments for anxiety?

Common treatments that can help your child better cope with anxiety include:

Lifestyle changes

Adopting healthy habits can reduce anxiety symptoms in kids and teens. Encourage them to stay physically active, avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs, and cut back on caffeinated drinks. Eating nutritious foods, maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of sleep, and trying relaxation techniques can also help.

Therapy

Behavioral change therapy teaches kids with anxiety disorders to better cope with symptoms, thrive at school and in social situations, and have a better quality of life.

Medications

If other treatments haven’t worked to relieve anxiety, your child’s pediatrician can prescribe medications as appropriate.

If your child struggles with anxiety, call the Pediatric Associates of Kentwood office or book an appointment online today.