Could Your Child Have Anxiety Disorder?

CHECK ALL BOXS THAT APPLY

Does your child have a distinct and ongoing fear of social situations involving unfamiliar people?

Does your child worry excessively about a number of events or activities?

Does your child feel a shortness of breath or racing heart for no apparent reason?

Does your child often appear anxious when relating with peers and avoid them when possible?

Does your child have a persistent and unreasonable fear of an object or situation, such as flying, heights, or animals?

When your child encounters the feared object or situation, does he/she react by freezing, clinging, or having a tantrum?

Does your child cry, have tantrums, or refuse to leave a family member or other familiar person when he/she must?

Has your child declined in classroom performance, refused to go to school, or avoided age-appropriate social activities?

Does your child spend too much time each day doing things over and over again such as excessive hand washing, checking things or counting?

Does your child have exaggerated fears of people or events (such as burglars, kidnappers, or car accidents) that might make it difficult to be in places such as crowds or elevators?

Does your child experience regular nightmares, headaches or stomachaches?

Does your child repetitively re-enact with toys scenes from a disturbing event?

Does your child redo tasks because of excessive dissatisfaction with less-than perfect performance?

 

Reference: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Washington, D.C. American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

If you checked several boxes, it may indicate that your child could be experiencing symptoms of anxiety. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment for service, please contact our Access Center at 201-444-3550.