Diagnosing Anxiety Disorders in Children

Diagnosing anxiety disorders in children can be quite difficult. Children react differently and may not be able to express themselves as well as an adult. Social anxiety, for example, can be quite difficult to diagnose, even if you're an adult. Some people with social anxiety are even misdiagnosed.

Mental issues are also not as well known or understood by the general public. This poses a big problem in trying to help children. How can someone find something when they don't even know what they're looking for?

The fact is, anxiety disorders are treatable, with a good success rate, but it must be diagnosed first. It's important to get help for children as soon as possible if you suspect anything.

Stigma Attached To Mental Illness

For parents, it's incredibly hard to accept that their child has a mental problem. This makes it hard to diagnose a child with anxiety disorders. A child could go undiagnosed for years, acquiring more problems.

A parent may scold their child and tell him/her to 'stop being like that' or 'you're not a baby anymore'. It's difficult to even contemplate that their child has a mental problem.

You can't blame a parent. Some people make fun or speak behind someone's back, (a person with a mental problem), ridiculing or mocking them, which doesn't help.

A mental illness also generally cannot be 'seen'. People seem more accepting and generally feel sorry for someone in a wheelchair. Perhaps a mental illness is viewed as being the fault of the sufferer?

Helpful Advice For Parents

Once your child is diagnosed, allow your child to do things by themselves. Try not to take over or help too much, otherwise your child may feel inadequate. Also, intervening could prolong the problem.

Even though you may be worried, try not to show this to your child. When your child does something well, share your happiness with your child. This gives them confidence.

Let them know that what they did was difficult and that you're proud of them for having the strength and courage. Can you imagine how your child will feel? They'll be absolutely thrilled to hear it!

Even though diagnosing anxiety disorders in children can be tricky, once diagnosed, help is quite effective. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication has been extremely helpful. Another option may be hypnosis; safe, accepted and with no side effects. The earlier they receive help, the better. You could save them from a
lifetime of suffering.