The occurrences of anxiety attacks and anxiety disorders in children are very common.
As a matter of fact, anxiety attacks in children are more prevalent; if not treated, it could lead to chronic anxiety disorders or even depression later on in their teenage years or adulthood.
In fact, most anxiety attack symptoms in adults were preceded by anxiety disorders during childhood.
Many of the symptoms found in child anxiety attacks are the same as adult anxiety attacks.
They experience both psychological and physical symptoms.
The symptoms could start with a feeling of dread, worry and fear.
Many children have these feelings regularly but when these symptoms become too severe and are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, tightening in the chest, stomach upset and diarrhea; they could lead to serious psychological and physiological problems.
As parents, it's perhaps the hardest thing to watch our children suffer.
But what can we do to help our children? How do we treat child's anxiety symptoms? How to eliminate them? First, you must try your best to observe your child's behaviours and identify the root cause of anxiety; also keep in mind that anxiety is a normal part of growing up.
For example, afraid of darkness when sleeping in a room when he or she is only 5 years old is perfectly normal; but if the child is already 17 then it's a problem.
Note that child anxiety attacks can also be due to medications.
Some medications can cause anxiety so it is best if you could just take your child to a doctor for a physical check up; let the doctor know the medications.
Often times, a physical check up could just uncover the root cause of the anxiety and doctor can provide effective solution.
Some children simply need more B vitamins or omega 3's.
Other common causes are Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The latter often occurs when the child had gone through a traumatic event and had trouble recovering from it.
He or she will relive the moment in their mind and experience the symptoms (physical and psychological) associated with the event.
It's like going through the same nightmare over and over again.
There is help for child's anxiety attacks; you could seek medical attention and a therapist.
The doctor will be able to determine if your child needs medication.
A therapist will be able to teach your child effective coping skills to face their fear and reduce worry in an anxiety provoking situations.