Johns Hopkins Health - Fall 2008 - (Page 9)

identify those early signs and symptoms and take steps to address them. For that, parents might first turn to themselves and their own histories. Research shows a strong genetic basis for anxiety. If you tend toward anxiety or have been treated for it, your children are more likely to have the same tendencies. So how do you know if your child is suffering? And what can you do about it? “Watch your kids for those behaviors that you may be already all too familiar with,” Ginsburg says. “And understand that for some children with anxiety disorders, all the reassurance in the world won’t help.” Other things to look for include unreasonable fears that don’t go away; physical symptoms that include heart palpitations, sweating, chills, stomachaches and headaches; and children who Anxiety Disorders Defined The most common anxiety disorders in children are: Separation anxiety—marked stress when separated or anticipating separation from a parent or other loved one. Physical complaints such as stomachaches commonly accompany this disorder. Social phobia—intense, persistent fear of being watched, judged and laughed at by others, as well as doing things that would embarrass or humiliate. These children usually are excessively selfconscious and perceived as shy. Generalized anxiety disorder—exaggerated worry and tension about a variety of everyday problems. Children with this disorder live with a sense of dread and frequently seek reassurance. Learn more at hopkinsmedicine.org/health_information_ library (go to “Anxiety Disorders in Children and Teenagers”). When anxiety is uncontrolled and lasts longer than six months or is debilitating, parents should turn to professionals for help. continually avoid situations or become upset at having to endure them. Parents can help first by not accommodating the fears or avoidance. “Pay attention to the anxiety,” says Johns Hopkins child and adolescent psychiatrist John Walkup, M.D. “But don’t play into the avoidance yourself and don’t use that and overprotectiveness as strategies.” It’s counterproductive, Walkup says, and may undermine a child’s capacity to cope, tolerate and learn about the world—generating even more anxiety. Instead, children, like adults, must face their fears. For some parents, helping their children do that may be as simple as walking the aisles of their local bookstores or libraries. “There are very good books for parents on helping children with anxiety,” Ginsburg says. Psychologically speaking, parents need to be fearless themselves, Walkup says. “We live in a safer world than ever, but parents are more afraid for their children than they’ve ever been,” he says. Anxious parents transmit that fear to their kids, whether they realize it or not. “We can’t underexpose our kids,” Walkup says. “Without forcing it, we need to let them feel the challenge of new or difficult situations.” When to Seek help When anxiety is uncontrolled and lasts longer than six months or is debilitating, parents should turn to professionals for help. Pediatricians and school guidance counselors are on the front lines and can direct parents to the best resources. Depending on the degree of anxiety and its symptoms, children may be referred to child psychologists or psychiatrists. Treatment may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, medication or both. “The important thing to know is that childhood anxiety is very treatable,” Riddle says. “We can help children and their families.” hopkinsmedicine.org fall 2008 johns hopkins health | 9 | http://hopkinsmedicine.org/health_information_library http://hopkinsmedicine.org/health_information_library http://hopkinsmedicine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Johns Hopkins Health - Fall 2008

John Hopkins Health - Fall 2008
Contents
Pelvic Organ Prolaose
Staying Tuned
Getting Anxious
Device of a Lifetime
After Lumpectomy

Johns Hopkins Health - Fall 2008

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