A Child Anxiety DisorderThe child featured in this case study has experienced a number of stressors that contribute to and exacerbate her feelings of anxiety. A close family member also suffers from an anxiety disorder, thereby suggesting a genetic risk for developing an anxiety disorder herself. Her anxious, sensitive temperament, which she exhibited as an infant and young child, and which continues, may also increase her vulnerability for developing an anxiety disorder. As an introverted child she tends to internalize her distress rather than to act out in an angry and/or aggressive manner. As you read this case study, note the symptoms of anxiety she exhibits. Anxiety disorders and depression often co-exist. In addition to an anxiety disorder, this child was also diagnosed with depression. Avoidance behaviors are evident, as well, and usually apply to situations that trigger anxiety in this child. Think about a child you are concerned about. Does she or he exhibit similar concerns and behaviors? Which symptoms do you think point to a child anxiety disorder? Do you think this child's behaviors parallel those that can signal a child anxiety disorder? Are these behavioral symptoms inhibiting the child’s ability to cope with the emotional, social, learning and/or behavioral challenges of his or her life? What stressors do you think have triggered high levels of anxiety in this child? Contact Dr. O'Connor about
a child anxiety disorder. Dr. O'Connor also offers an “Assessment Based Solution” package to help children of anxious parents. When a parent suffers from an anxiety disorder his or her children are often at increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder themselves. To find out how a child of an anxious parent is doing and what you can do to help,
click here. Our Case Study – A Child Anxiety DisorderTo protect the confidentiality of the child discussed in this case, and her family, all identifying information has been changed. A Case StudyThe Problem: Symptoms of a Child Anxiety Disorder
Parent Concerns: Mary is a 9 year old child. She exhibits a range of concerning behaviors including those that often signal a child anxiety disorder. She lives with her parents and several siblings. Mary’s parents reported that she has difficulty paying attention and concentrating. She is also reluctant to do her school work and finds spelling and reading hard. Her parents reported that Mary often seems detached and off in “her own little world” . She has an active imagination, which includes imaginary friends. Mary's parents reported concerns about her self-esteem and feel she is very shy. Mary experienced difficulty adjusting to her multi-grade class because she feels shy and nervous around older children. According to her parents Mary has always been shy and reluctant to participate with others. She is so shy, according to her parents, that she does not always answer when someone says “hi” or she speaks so softly that she can't be heard. She generally appears shy with everyone. In addition, she is reluctant to leave home to go to school or on outings and errands. She needs to be coaxed and cajoled to leave the house. Mary's parents also described Mary as nervous and anxious. They reported that when Mary is nervous she will get up and walk away or detach from the situation and withdraw into her own little world. To read more about Mary’s symptoms, as well as the results of the psychological assessment that was conducted to explore her needs click here to join Dr. O'Connor's member-ship site. You can then click on to read the rest of this case study. At the end of the case study you will find recommended solutions to help Mary and children who exhibit similar concerns. You can try the recommendations that interest you to help an anxious child. Copyright 2002 (c) Dianne S. O'Connor, Ed.D. All Rights Reserved. Assessment Based Solutions Tel: 416.481.0893 Fax: 416.481.1213 Contact Dr. O'Connor by
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