Although always relate to the anxiety as a problem of adults derived from daily stress, the truth is that many children suffer from the same disorder. In fact, statistics indicate that between 6% and 20% of children and adolescents aged 9-17 years will also suffer anxiety.
The child medical experts indicate that approximately 10% of children aged 7-11 years going to their primary care doctor show anxiety symptoms for various reasons, from the widespread – without apparent reason – to the post traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive, among others. It has also been shown that it affects more girls than boys and that those who suffer from anxiety usually have associated other disorders, such as for example depression.
We can not forget that if this problem is not treated the child may suffer a significant deterioration in their personal relationships and their school performance. Also, in cases arising in the form of phobia, social anxiety and PTSD, it also allows to reach great stability after the treatment.
It is important to differentiate between the normal anxieties that every child may experience as a result of any phase of their life – for example, faced with a test – which comes to interfere with their daily lives. If we see that it devalues the quality of their day it is important immediately consult an expert to avoid further consequences, as low self-esteem, lack of attention and increased substance abuse.
Also, keep in mind that statistics indicate that children with untreated anxiety may end up having other mental problems in his adult life.