Any child can feel anxious at times.
Many youngsters, for example, show great distress when separated from their parents, and preschoolers are often frightened of people they do not know, or perhaps the dark.
This is quite normal and usually passes quickly.
Child anxiety Disorder (A D).
This is where a child experiences undue worry, concern, or fear while involved in ordinary circumstances, and everyday routines.
These disorders may be shown as worry, concern, or fear that is inappropriate for the scenario and the child's age or developmental level.
There are many types The most common ones are: • Generalized A D excessive nerves and worry.
• Separation A D Separation from the parent or other that causes the child distress that continues for over a month • Specific Phobia when exposed to specific situations or objects - or just the thought of these environments.
• Social A D (Social Phobia) A child will have a fear of social interaction or being around or near people they may or may not know.
• Other Anxiety Disorder For examples of nerves or concerns or fears that meet some criteria but not a specific anxiety disorder.
If you do recognise any warning signs that you loved one has a child anxiety disorder then you need to get to the root of the problem.
You need to get the right information, advice and then the correct help for them.
The effects of long term stress on a child can be debilitating and can ruin a child's young life causing deep rooted and unpleasant problems into their adolescent life and into adulthood.