Symptoms
Anxiety in children can manifest in different ways. The symptoms of anxiety in children can be physical, emotional, or behavioral. Some common symptoms of anxiety in children include:
- Physical symptoms: children with anxiety may have headaches, stomachaches, or other physical complaints. They may also feel tired and have trouble sleeping.
- Emotional symptoms: children with anxiety may feel scared, worried, or nervous. They may also feel sad or have a sense of impending doom.
- Behavioral symptoms: children with anxiety may have trouble concentrating, may be easily irritable, or maybe clingy. They may also avoid certain situations or activities.
Causes
The causes of anxiety in children are not fully understood, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors may be involved. Some possible causes of anxiety in children include:
- Genetics: Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. Children who have a parent or close relative with an anxiety disorder may be more likely to develop an anxiety disorder themselves.
- Life events: Traumatic or stressful events, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a move to a new place, can trigger anxiety in children.
- Brain chemistry: Abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
- Developmental factors: Children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events in childhood may be more likely to develop anxiety disorders.