Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - Understanding Different Types of Anxiety
Learn more about Generalised Anxiety Disorder, its symptoms, reasons why it happens, how to get a diagnosis, and possible treatments for kids with this type of anxiety.
Kids with GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) often worry excessively about everyday events such as school, family, friends, and health issues. As a result, they may also experience panic attacks, insomnia, stomachaches, headaches, and / or muscle tension.
If a parent has concerns that their kid may suffer from GAD, they should seek the assistance of a mental health specialist. This will allow parents to learn how to cope with their children's anxiety and teach the kids effective coping skills.
This article discusses the symptoms of GAD in children and gives tips on how to deal with these problems. You will learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of this disorder as well as how you can help your child to understand their GAD.
According to Boston’s Children Hospital, around 3-5% of kids suffer from GAD.
What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Anxiety disorders are common mental health problems that affect people worldwide. They are characterised by excessive fear and worry about everyday events such as work, school, relationships, finances, and physical health.
A child with a generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) suffers from excessive concern and terror that do not appear to have any rational basis. The level of worry may be disproportionately high, given the circumstances. Children or adolescents who suffer from GAD frequently worry about a variety of issues, including the following:
Future events
Actions from the past
Social acceptance
Concerning the family
Their capabilities
Academic performance in schools
Anxiety affects every child and adolescent to some degree. It is a normal and essential part of the process of growing older. However, there are times when fears and doubts persist right through adulthood.
They may make it difficult for a child to participate in typical activities. In situations like these, the person may have an anxiety disorder.
What Factors Lead To a Child Or Adolescent Developing GAD?
Variables in both biology and the environment may have contributed to the development of GAD. In other words, generalised anxiety disorder could be the result of either your upbringing or your genes.
An anxious temperament is transmissible from parents to children. It is most likely that this is caused by an imbalance in the levels of two chemicals found in the brain: norepinephrine and serotonin.
A youngster may also pick up feelings of anxiety and terror from other people, including members of their own family.
For instance, a child with a father terrified of thunderstorms is more likely also to develop a fear of storms themselves.
A distressing experience can also bring on GAD. This can refer to the passing of a parent, the dissolution of a marriage, or a major accident or illness affecting a family member, to mention a few.
Who Is At Risk For Developing GAD Among Children And Adolescents?
GAD is more likely to develop in children who have a parent who struggles with an anxiety condition. In addition, children who appear to have had more self-control as toddlers may be at a greater risk for developing GAD as they get older.
What are the signs that a toddler or adolescent might have GAD?
Unlike adults with GAD, children and teens often don't realise that their anxiety levels are not reacting in a way that matches the seriousness of what is going on around them.
Children and adolescents who suffer from GAD typically are in need of reassurance from the adults in their lives.
There is a possibility that the symptoms will be unique for each child. Here are some of the following are some of the most common symptoms of GAD:
First, they get worked up about things long before they even happen.
Many concerns over relationships, academics, or extracurricular activities
A near-constant stream of anxious thoughts and worries regarding the well-being of either the child or the parents
Refusing to attend classes or school.
Constant gastrointestinal distress, headaches, or other types of physical issues
Pains in the muscles or muscle tension
Sleep troubles
A great deal of anxiety around the prospect of sleeping away from home
Attachment disorder with members of the family
Extreme fatigue
An inability to concentrate
Being grumpy
Incapacity to relax
GAD symptoms may resemble those of other health problems. Be sure to make an appointment with your child's healthcare practitioner so that he or she can diagnose and provide treatment for the illness.
Kids with GAD often don’t know what GAD is or that they experience it.
The most important thing to note about GAD in children and adolescents - It's very possible that the child experiencing GAD is not aware that the heightened concern they're expressing, is not normal to the given circumstances.
How Does a Child Or Adolescent Get Diagnosed With GAD?
Your child's primary care physician will conduct an assessment to first rule out any other potential health issues before diagnosing and offering a referral to you to seek mental health services.
After this has been established, a child psychiatrist or another qualified mental health professional will assess and diagnose GAD.
Finally, your child will have a mental health evaluation conducted by the child psychiatrist or qualified mental health professional.
Standardised testing, and interviews with you and your child will be conducted. A comprehensive psychological and social history of the child may all be included in this process as well.
What Happens Next If My Child is Diagnosed With GAD?
GAD is one of the most common disorders found in children today. Anxiety can impact kids at any age and one study found that GAD occurs in 10% of children and starts around age eight. The encouraging news is that there are strategies for kids or teenagers to help manage or reduce anxiety.
If your child is diagnosed with GAD, he or she will likely receive mental health support or counselling from a health professional to help them through the process of managing their anxiety.
Your child’s doctor or health physician will discuss with you and your child how best to treat the specific symptoms your child is experiencing. There is a vast array of variety in both the therapies and medications that are available. Be sure to research these or enquire with your health insurance before engaging.
Treatment for GAD
Children and adolescents who experience GAD cannot just "get themselves together" and become healthier. They are frequently in need of medical care. In many cases, getting help is crucial to getting better.
GAD has the potential to worsen or become a problem in the long term if it is not treated. Your child's treatment will be determined by their symptoms, age, and overall health. The severity of the condition will also play a role in the decision.
Treatment for GAD may consist of the following:
Therapy based on cognitive and behavioural principles is one way a child can learn how to better regulate their anxiety. In addition, the objective is to assist the youngster in gaining control over the circumstances that may have contributed to the fear. Treatment for GAD may include;
Medicines - Some youngsters may benefit from taking antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication to feel less anxious.
Counselling for families - The participation of the patient's parents is essential in any treatment.
Input from schools - The child's school might potentially count as care for the child.
How Can I Keep My Child From Experiencing GAD?
Medical science does not currently know the prevention of GAD in children. Therefore, getting your child checked out as soon as possible is best if you suspect they may suffer from GAD.
If treatment is started early, it can reduce your child's symptoms and help them develop normally as they grow older and may improve your child's quality of life.
How Can I Aid My Child Diagnosed With GAD?
You play an important role in your child's treatment as a parent.
The following is a list of things that you can do to assist:
Always keep your appointments with the healthcare provider who is caring for your child.
Give your child reassurance. Your child may not be aware that the level of concern they are experiencing is disproportionate to the circumstances they are in if they suffer from GAD. Your youngster will require further reassurance from you and any other adults they interact with.
Have a conversation with the healthcare provider who is treating your child about the other medical professionals who will be involved in the treatment of your child.
Counsellors, therapists, social workers, psychologists, teachers, and psychiatrists could be among the professionals who provide care for your kid as part of a multidisciplinary team. Your child's care team will be put together based on his or her individual needs and the extent of their GAD.
Share information with others regarding your child's GAD. Create a treatment plan for your child in collaboration with the school and the healthcare provider who treats them. Reminding the teachers that your youngster will require additional reassurance is important.
Make an effort to get help from the community services in your area. Getting in touch with other parents whose children also have GAD could prove to be beneficial.
When To Contact A Healthcare Professional
If any of the following apply to your child, immediately contact the healthcare provider:
Demonstrates severe levels of melancholy, fear, worry, or rage, either toward oneself or toward other people
Has a sense of being out of control
Hears voices that are not audible to others.
Observes details that are missed by others
Hasn't been able to eat or sleep in 3 or more days.
Demonstrates conduct that causes friends, family, or teachers to be concerned; these individuals voice their concerns to you and urge that you seek assistance because of your actions.
Tips To Help You Get The Most Out Of A Visit To The Healthcare Provider:
Be aware of the purpose of the visit and the desired outcome before you go.
Make sure to jot down any concerns or inquiries before your appointment.
Write down the names of any new diagnoses, drugs, therapies, or tests you get at the appointment. In addition, make sure to jot down any new guidelines your child's provider offers you to follow.
Find out why a new medication or treatment has been prescribed for your kid and how it will benefit them.
Inquire about the possibility of your child's condition being treated in any other way.
Learn the rationale behind why a certain test or procedure is recommended and the potential implications of the results.
Be prepared for the consequences if your child refuses to take the medication or participate in the test or treatment.
If your child is scheduled for a follow-up appointment, record the date, time, and reason for the appointment on a notepad.
Ensure you know how to contact your child's provider after hours or when the office is closed. This information is crucial if your child becomes ill and you have inquiries or require guidance.
What is The Long-term Prognosis For Children With GAD?
While many effective treatments are available for adults, less research exists about treating childhood GAD. However, studies suggest that early treatment helps prevent future problems.
The prognosis depends on many factors, including the severity of symptoms, whether there are other conditions that need to be treated, and how well the child responds to treatment.
Studies have shown that GAD, if left untreated, is generally a chronic illness with symptoms that tend to wax and wane over one's lifetime.
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) that starts at a younger age is linked to a higher risk of developing other anxiety and depression disorders later in life.
What you need to know about Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common mental health problem affecting around 3.1% of the UK youth population while in Australia roughly up to 6.9% of children are affected by anxiety disorders, including GAD.
But we don’t know the most recent statistics and we know that since 2020, COVID has increased the levels of anxiety in kids.
These fears cause distress and interfere with their daily lives. In addition, anxiety disorders are associated with significant impairment in functioning and an increased risk of suicide.
It is still unclear what exactly causes Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Although, studies suggest that genetics may play a role. Other possible contributing factors include environmental influences, early experiences, personality traits, and brain chemistry.
It can feel overwhelming if you are a parent or guardian of a child living with Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
That's why you should not hesitate to reach out to the Gheorg team for further information, support, and guidance about anxiety in children, how to help/support kids with anxiety, how anxiety impacts kids, and what anxiety looks like in kids.
Download Gheorg to support kids to learn more about emotional awareness and calming breathing techniques.