General Anxiety Disorder
Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:
NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid.
NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.
NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
WHAT IS GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)?
A child with generalised anxiety disorder is overly and intensely worried about things. The worry is so extreme and excessive that the child can experience physical symptoms, distress and it can impact their daily life.
As humans we have an inherent ‘flight or fight’ response to situations which can cause stress and anxiety at times. A child with generalised anxiety disorder will experience heightened stress and anxiety for a longer period or all the time and about many things. They often cannot switch off or stop this anxiety. If this condition is left untreated it can turn into a chronic condition.
The list of things a child with GAD will worry about is endless from family matters, to school performance to social issues.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR ANXIETY DISORDERS IN CHILDREN
Generalised anxiety disorder is also known as GAD.
Children with generalised anxiety disorder are regarded as children with special educational needs.
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER DISPLAY?
The symptoms a child with generalised anxiety disorder can show are:
- They constantly worry about things
- They try to be perfect because they feel that this is what is required fo them
- They can be self-critical.
- They look for constant reassurance
- They feel ill, they sweat, can twitch, feel nausea and have tummy aches and pain a lot of the time especially when they are worried.
- They are restless, irritable and cannot relax.
- They can get heart palpitations.
- They are hesitant to answer questions in the classroom.
- They are hesitant to try new things and be in new situations.
- They do not like change
- They can take a long time to fall asleep because they are worrying about something.
- They can find it hard to focus and concentrate.
- They easily get distressed.
- They are always thinking of the worst case scenario.
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER BORN WITH IT OR IS IT ACQUIRED?
Similar to many mental health disorders, the exact cause of generalised anxiety disorder is unknown. However, there may be a genetic element to it and it could be inherited but even if it is there are many factors which play a part in its development in the child. They are:
- A family history of GAD
- The child’s natural inherited temperament
- A disruption of the neurotransmitters in the brain.
- A traumatic or violent episode
- Family breakdown
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER?
Most children will start showing the first signs of generalised anxiety disorder when they start school.
CAN GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
Generalised anxiety disorder is treatable and can be managed and controlled. It is not preventable or can be cured.
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for generalised anxiety disorder. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage and control the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from generalised anxiety disorder can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has generalised anxiety disorder you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has generalised anxiety disorder.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns if your child has generalised anxiety disorder. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has generalised anxiety disorder and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.