Tempers And Children:
Could It Be Fear Or Anxiety?

It can be easy to pass a judgment on a child who seems to be committing every misdemeanor imaginable in the book of children’s bad behavior. Many parents know that there is often an explanation for why children throw tantrums or behave badly. It may be because they feel cranky due to lack of sleep or because they don’t feel well. Being irritable can also be expected when a child is confused. It is also possible bad behavior is related to fear or anxiety.

Anxiety Among Children

Anxiety and fear can be natural responses that serve important biological functions. It is often referred to as an “anxiety disorder” when the responses cause paralyzing distress, causing difficulty in performing normal everyday functions. To many, the signs and symptoms may look like the child is just misbehaving when he/she could actually be struggling with anxiety. This is why parents can benefit from knowing the signs and symptoms of anxiety that may require professional help.

Signs and Symptoms to Different Anxiety Disorders

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). If you child has symptoms of GAD they may tend to excessively worry about anything that may affect them – school, weather, getting a terminal disease, catastrophes, their safety and well-being (and their loved ones), etc. Thus, they may appear to always be stressed and/or extremely irritable.
  • Social Anxiety Disorder. If you child has symptoms of social anxiety disorder you may notice that they have difficulty tolerating criticism, even when it is constructive. They also may dislike attracting attention, fearing they would embarrass themselves or give people wrong impression. They are likely to avoid people, occasions and places where there are a lot of people.
  • Separation Anxiety. If you child has symptoms of this kind of anxiety they may refuse to go to school or to let you leave them at home/school, Your child may throw tantrums, clinging to the you or other family members, refuse to play with other children, and/or complain of aches and pains while you are away.
  • Specific Phobias and Panic Disorder. Specific phobias refer to an excessive and unjustified fear to a particular object or situations such as; small enclosed or confined places, environment, medically related situations/objects, animals, insects, etc. Panic disorder is generally triggered by fear of something that is yet to happen. Symptoms can include shaking or trembling, racing heart, sweating, gastric uneasiness, dizziness, and/or shortness of breath. All of these symptoms may cause your child to exhibit bad behavior to express their phobia or panic.

If you have observed any of these symptoms, it could be beneficial to consult with a licensed, independently contracted therapist in order to accurately assess your child’s symptoms and behaviors. It may be counterproductive to sternly discipline your child when their negative behavior is related to anxiety. Call Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC today and begin to properly address your child’s own unique experience.

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