What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is an internalizing disorder that has negative impacts of understanding, processing, and regulating emotions. Symptoms of internalizing disorders such as anxiety include bodily sensations, cognitive processes, and behaviours, which present differently with each case (Reilly, N., 2015, pg. 36).
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the standard for classification of mental disorders.
Different types of anxiety disorder:
Separation anxiety disorders
Selective mutism
Specific phobia
Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Epidemiology of Anxiety
Anxiety is an internalizing disorder that has negative impacts of understanding, processing, and regulating emotions. Symptoms of internalizing disorders such as anxiety include bodily sensations, cognitive processes, and behaviours, which present differently with each case (Reilly, N., 2015, pg. 36).
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the standard for classification of mental disorders.
Different types of anxiety disorder:
Separation anxiety disorders
Selective mutism
Specific phobia
Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Epidemiology of Anxiety
- 1/8 children suffer from moderate to sever anxiety
- Approximately 3:1 ratios of females to males affected
- Most prevalent mental health disorder in children
- High comorbidity with ADHD, Depression, Autism and Substance Abuse
- Children of anxious parents are as much as 7 times more likely to develop anxiety
Causes
- Genetics explains about 30% of transmission
- Temperament & Behaviour Inhibition: child born with lower susceptibility to flight or fight response
- Environment: violence, stressful environments, emotional abuse, unsafe
- Lack of Meaningful Relationships: rejections, neglect
- Poor Regulation Control: shuts down, withdrawal, hyper aroused
Behaviours exhibited:
- Pacing - Clinging - Hair twirling/picking - Scratching - Crying when asked to speak in front of class - Hiding/need to being alone - Argumentativeness (attempting to gain control) - Asking questions multiple times - Seeking frequent reassurance or assistance - Repetitive hand washing and rituals - Nail biting - Tantrums - Repetitive behaviours - Difficulty concentrating - Complaining of being tired and asking for breaks to rest - Complaining of not being able to remember or understand new information - Asking to call parents |
Emotions exhibited:
- Sadness - Fear - Worry - Helplessness - Hopelessness - Frustration - Irritability - Shame - Embarrassment |
Somatic complaints exhibited:
- Headaches - Stomachaches - Muscle tension - Nausea - Shortness of breath - Restlessness - Fatigue - Cold or sweaty hands - Rapid heart rate - Dizziness - Dry Mouth |
Root of Anxiety
Lack of Connection
Parental rejection Not invited to social activities No sense of belonging Mortality Not feeling liked by caregiver, teacher, desired peer group |
Satisfaction
No novelty or meaningful engagement Not feeling good enough (perfectionist tendencies - poor self esteem) |
Safety
Violence in the house Scared in care situation (school, daycare) Trauma Scared of teacher or a peer |
Resource:
Andrews, B. (2017). Understanding and Managing Anxiety in Children and Youth. [PowerPoint Presentation].
Reilly, N. (2015). Anxiety and depression in the classroom: a teacher's guide to fostering self-regulation in young students. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
Andrews, B. (2017). Understanding and Managing Anxiety in Children and Youth. [PowerPoint Presentation].
Reilly, N. (2015). Anxiety and depression in the classroom: a teacher's guide to fostering self-regulation in young students. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.