Anxious Children

Our go-to Board Certified Pediatrician, Dr. Deepa Sukumar, has some useful information on anxiety in children. She outlines some important facts every parent should know.

You can connect with Dr. Sukumar anywhere in the U.S. by going to gracemdconnect.com or call/ text her at 844-230-3300. She offers vital urgent care for your child 24/7. 

Anxiety in children - important facts

• Anxious children can be clingy, startle easily, cry or have tantrums, sleep poorly, have headaches, or stomachaches. There are different kinds of anxiety disorder in children.
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)- Children with GAD worry excessively about a variety of things. They are very hard on themselves and strive for perfection. They may also seek constant approval from others. Because of GAD, there is always something to worry about in the child's mind. GAD makes it hard for children to relax and have fun, eat well or fall asleep at night.
• Separation anxiety - Children with separation anxiety become very anxious and upset when separated from parents or caregivers. They may worry that bad things will happen to self or loved ones while separated. Some symptoms of separation anxiety include refusing to go to school, a sleepover or demanding someone to stay with them at bedtime.
• Social anxiety- These children have strong fear of social situations, are very anxious and self-conscious around others. They worry about being judged or humiliated. This can significantly impair the child's school performance and attendance, as well as his or her ability to maintain relationships. Children with social anxiety do not want to be the center of attention, so they may avoid raising their hand in class. If they get called in class, they may freeze or panic and can't answer.
• Specific phobias - Phobias can be severe irrational fears of particular situations or things like riding in elevators, crowded spaces, insects or thunderstorms.
• While occasional anxiety is considered normal, talk to a pediatrician if anxiety causes your child to limit their activities, often worry, and/or avoid school or daycare. Severe anxieties are often treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• In CBT - parents learn how to respond best when a child is anxious, and they learn how to help children face their fears. Kids learn coping skills so they can face fear and worry less and over time children learn to face fears and overcome them.

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