Anxiety
Anxiety symptoms include worrying, apprehension, tension, and physical symptoms (e.g., sweating, dizziness, muscle tension). It can also be associated with trouble concentrating, irritability, and sleep problems. While anxiety is a normal human experience and beneficial in some situations, anxiety can become a problem when the worrying and apprehension cause impairment in functioning or when the body’s natural "fight-or-flight" response emerges in nonthreatening situations.
Per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition (DSM-5), there are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (excessive worrying about a number of different things), social anxiety disorder (anxiety and fear around, and avoidance of, social situations), separation anxiety disorder (fear and apprehension about being away from home or a caregiver), specific phobia (fear of a specific stimulus [e.g., insects, flying, needles, fires]), panic disorder (recurrent panic attacks [a panic attack is a sudden onset of fear and distress that can include sweating, shaking, dizziness, numbness/tingling, fear of losing control] and fear of having a panic attack), and selective mutism (failure to speak in certain situations). Contact us to schedule an evaluation.
Resources
Information on anxiety symptoms & disorders in children
Information on anxiety symptoms & disorders in adults
How to talk to & support your child with anxiety (Part 1)
How to talk to & support your child with anxiety (Part 2)
Referrals
Blossom Whole Family Therapy & Child Psychology Center
Books