Anxiety and ADHD

Anxiety and ADHD We all worry about things at some point in our lives, and having a small amount of anxiety is normal and stimulating. But for some children and adults anxiety can become intense, bringing with it symptoms that can severely affect their lives. Anxious versus anxietyWorrying about things occasionally isn't the same as having an anxiety disorder. All children feel anxious sometimes your child may be anxious about their first day at school, about going to the dentist or taking an exam. ADVERTISEMENT CONTINUE READING BELOW All of these anxieties are perfectly normal, but they're usually overcome once the problem disappears or is faced by your child. In contrast, a child with anxiety experiences the symptoms more intensely and more often, and http://www.oboyfoundation.co.uk this can seriously affect day to day school, home and social life. They can't immediately recover after experiencing a fearsome situation, such as going to school, and the symptoms can cause significant distress. What are the symptoms of anxiety?There is a range of symptoms associated with anxiety that cause changes physically, emotionally and mentally. Panic disordersChildren who have panic disorders often have periods of intense fear and discomfort, accompanied by symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, dizziness, sweating and shortness of breath. Panic attacks often come on suddenly for no reason. They can be scary for your child to go through (and you to see). The good news is it's a treatable condition. Phobic disordersA phobia is an irrational fear that causes people to avoid the source of the fear be it an activity, situation, animal or person. In OCD, recurring obsessions and compulsions cause distress. Obsessions are persistent thoughts or impulses that are unrealistic and irrational. For example, a constant fear that someone will break into the house. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or rituals, such as washing hands, keeping things in a specific order, or http://www.wirralcanvas.co.uk checking something again and again. Compulsions can also be mental acts such as counting, silently repeating words or avoiding things. A child with OCD would, for example, constantly fear a break in and not settle until every window and door has been checked in a particular order every night. And, if the order of checking isn't complied with, the whole process may have to be started again. ADVERTISEMENT CONTINUE READING BELOW Although OCD can be worrying to parents, it can be treated effectively through medication and behavioural therapies. Stress related disordersLike adults, children can suffer from stress related disorders. Stress occurs when a child is unable to cope with situations or events, or feels as if they can't cope. For example, anxiety can exist with ADHD. Some researches now prefer the term 'co occuring disorder'. Others refer to 'internalising disorders', referring to symptoms of anxiety or low mood, including depression. How common is anxiety with ADHD?Between 25 and 35 per cent of ADHD children also have an anxiety disorder. In contrast, anxiety affects only 5 to 15 per cent of children in the UK.