Presented by: Name Month XX, 2012 When To Worry About Your Child’s Worries Insert logo of speaker’s organization Insert host logo Insert local partners’ logo

Anxiety can be a good thing Anxiety is a normal and adaptive system in the body that tells us when we are in danger. Sometimes our bodies warn us about danger that isn’t real.

When To Worry About Anxiety Anxiety becomes a problem when it interferes with functioning: –Intensity What is the degree of the stress present? –Impairment Does the stress interfere with daily life? –Flexibility Can your child recover when the stressor is not present?

When To Worry About Anxiety Severe anxiety is: –unrealistic –out of proportion –overly self-conscious –unwanted and uncontrollable –doesn’t go away –leads to avoidance

Facts About Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders affect approximately 13% of American children and adolescents. Anxiety disorders in childhood are the greatest predictors of mood disorders and alcohol abuse in adulthood. More than 40 million adults in the US (18%) have reported disabling anxiety that negatively impacts their lives. Lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders is approximately 29% - National Comorbidity SurveyNational Comorbidity Survey Half of all lifetime cases of anxiety disorders start by age 14 and ¾ and by age 24 - National Comorbidity SurveyNational Comorbidity Survey

Facts About Anxiety Disorders There are a variety of different disorders –with different triggers and symptoms –several will be described briefly Some children may display some of the symptoms (or diagnostic cluster of symptoms) but not reach the level of a diagnosable disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Characterized by pervasive, unwarranted worry about a variety of everyday things Often focused on performance in school or sports Can lead to physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches

Separation Anxiety Disorder Characterized by inappropriate and excessive anxiety about separating from parents or caregivers Difficulty separating is normal in early childhood development; it becomes a disorder if the fear and anxiety interfere with age-appropriate behavior. Usually occurs before age 10

Social Anxiety Disorder Characterized by excessive self-consciousness that goes beyond common shyness or nerves Mostly affects adolescents 2 main types: –Performance –Interactional More common in adolescents than younger children Can lead to isolation and depression

Selective Mutism (SM) Children with SM are unable to speak in specific social situations. Should not be confused with initial or peirodic reluctance to speak Can cause severe distress

Specific Phobias Characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of an object or situation not normally considered dangerous Common childhood phobias –Natural environment –Animals –Blood and injury

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Characterized by unwanted thoughts, images or impulses (called obsessions) that a child attempts to fend off or neutralize by performing compulsions (ritualized or repeated behaviors). OCD can manifest in very early childhood

What to Do When Kids Are Anxious Try to manage anxiety, not eliminate it Model healthy ways of handling anxiety Don’t reinforce fear Stop avoiding Talk things through Find help

Where to find help [Include your contact information] [Add information on resources in your area] Psychologist locator - Learn more about anxiety on childmind.org

Thank you for joining us to Speak Up for Kids!