Questions and Answers
What techniques can be taught to children and adolescents to help them manage anxiety?
Deep breathing, guided imagery, and muscle training
What medical conditions can cause anxiety in children and adolescents?
Hyperthyroidism, respiratory/cardiac illnesses, medication effects
What should be done if a child or adolescent reports neglect or abuse?
Report to the appropriate child protection agency and refer the family and child to a mental health professional
When should children and adolescents be referred to mental health services?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the goal of individual psychotherapy for children and adolescents with anxiety?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of group therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the focus of family/parent therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it essential to assess for other causes of anxiety in children and adolescents?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the importance of enrolling children and adolescents in relaxation techniques programs?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it crucial to report suspected neglect or abuse to the appropriate child protection agency?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Definition of Anxiety
- Anxiety is defined as apprehension or excessive fear about real or imagined circumstances.
Types of Anxiety Disorders in Children
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: excessive worry about everyday life activities, such as academic performance, sports, or being on time.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder: difficulty leaving parents to attend school, stay at a friend's house, or be alone, often accompanied by trouble falling asleep.
- Phobias: unrealistic and excessive fears of certain situations or objects, such as animals, storms, water, heights, or enclosed spaces.
- Panic Disorder: repeated panic attacks without an apparent cause, characterized by intense fear, pounding heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or a feeling of imminent death.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: repetitive thoughts and behaviors, such as hand washing, counting, or arranging objects, despite recognizing them as senseless and distressing.
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: develops after a very stressful event, such as physical or sexual abuse, witnessing violence, or living through a disaster.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders in Children
- Emotional symptoms: crying, freezing, tantrums, clinging, excessive nervousness, and social distress.
- Physical symptoms: restlessness, sweating, tension, and recurrent somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches.
- Avoidance behaviors: school avoidance, social withdrawal, and unwillingness to engage in outside activities.
- Worrying and sleep disturbances: worrying and sleep disturbances, including fear of the dark, monsters, and harm coming to themselves or loved ones.
Management of Anxiety Disorders in Children
- Talk directly with the child about their worries and fears, and reassure them that others experience similar worries.
- Encourage the child to practice their natural talents and interests, and have fun.
- Teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, and muscle training.
- Assess for other causes of anxiety, such as medical conditions, drug or alcohol abuse, and environmental stress.
- Report suspected neglect or abuse to the appropriate child protection agency and refer the family and child to a mental health professional.
- Refer children with severe anxiety symptoms for mental health services, including individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and family/parent therapy.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
