As a parent, it may be difficult to determine if your child has an anxiety disorder because it is perfectly normal for most children to feel anxious from time to time. However, when certain behaviors become more frequent or are affecting their ability to participate at home, school, and in the community, it is time to seek help from your pediatrician. If you need a developmental pediatrician in Monmouth County, NJ, Dr. Alison Smoller of Developmental Pediatrics of Central Jersey proudly serves patients from all over the state of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

What Is An Anxiety Disorder?

The term anxiety disorder is an umbrella term that can refer to any number of mental health conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorders, and specific phobias. Anxiety disorders can occur as frequently as one in eight children, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). While some anxiety disorders may emerge at different ages and for different reasons, such as after stressful life events or are heredity, there can be some similarities in the signs to look for to determine if your child could have an anxiety disorder.

Signs Of Anxiety In Children

If you are concerned your child may have an anxiety disorder, it is important to reach out to your developmental pediatrician in Monmouth County, NJ, before jumping to conclusions as anxiety in children and teenagers can present itself in a variety of ways. If your child frequently shows any of the following signs, it could be an indication that they have an anxiety disorder.

Some physical signs of anxiety in children include headaches or stomachaches with no apparent cause, refusing to eat, reporting no appetite, appearing restless or distracted, and having difficulty sleeping. Your child may also demonstrate changes in behavior such as refusing to go to school, avoiding social situations with friends or peers, increased approval-seeking, or increased temper tantrums. Some emotional signs of anxiety in children include fear of making minor mistakes, frequent nightmares, or worrying about things too far in the future.

Getting Help Today

If you have noticed any of these changes in your child's behavior that persist for longer than two weeks, it may be time to reach out to Dr. Smoller, your developmental pediatrician in Monmouth County, NJ, for help. Contact Developmental Pediatrics of Central Jersey by calling (732) 660-0220.