GAD in Children and Teens
GAD in Children and Teenagers
Children and teenagers can also be affected by G.A.D. However in young people, they may not be aware that they have a condition or that they are worrying excessively and uncontrollably. Due to this, it is very important for adults to be aware of the signs that their child may be affected, so that they can get the help and early intervention that may be needed.
Possible Indications of G.A.D in children
Possible Indications of G.A.D in children
- Child worries even when everything is ok, e.g. worrying about parents getting sick)
- Child worries excessively almost every day for a prolonged period of time (6 months or more)
- Child displays signs of perfectionism, such as re-doing tasks until they are perfect and getting distressed when they make mistakes
- Child may seek excessive reassurance (e.g.asking a parent if they are ‘good’ ).
- Fears about uncontrollable events such as natural disasters, nuclear war or other catastrophic events
- Excessive, unrealistic fears about day-to-day activities
- "What if" concerns that span far into the future
- Uncontrollable worry about a variety of issues such as school, home, health, etc
- Child takes on a lot of responsibility. They may think that tragedies are preventable by worry and if things go wrong its somehow their fault
- Child may see bad things happen to others – e.g. someone being hurt - and fear the same thing will happen to them
- Child may have very low self esteems and may constantly seek reassurance
- Physical symptoms can include headaches, stomach aches, sleep problems, irritability and fatigue due to the inability to stop worrying and unwind
- Many children with GAD may also have other anxiety problems such as social anxiety, depression, separation anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).