For many people, anxiety is a normal part of their day.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is more common than most people believe, especially for teens. In actual fact, research suggests anxiety disorders are the most common paediatric disorder in childhood, affecting 15 to 18 per cent of youth.
The issues that arise are more than emotional suffering. Academic performance, relationships and social and interpersonal development can also suffer. According to the American Psychiatric Association, GAD is defined as “an excessive and uncontrollable worry about a number of different life events and accompanying symptoms of motor tension and vigilance.”
The onset tends to be subtle, with symptoms (restlessness, fatigue, concentration difficulties, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disorders) often presenting in early childhood.
These symptoms are known to affect life and daily activities in 82 percent of those with GAD. These children and youth are often seen as mature as they attempt to perfect activities and seek reassurance. They tend to be sensitive to criticism and try to people please.
Inadequate sleep has been linked to a range of behavioural difficulties, including inattention, impulsivity, disruptive behaviour, and impaired academic outcomes. Studies also suggest a strong connection between anxiety and depression.
Risk for anxiety in children with parents having anxiety disorders are on average three-and-a-half times greater than those without parental anxiety.
Parents exert a powerful influence on a child during development. There are two parental styles that are concerning during childhood development: over-protectiveness, and being overly controlling, negative or critical.
Overprotective parenting has been linked more to anxiety, and negative, critical and controlling parenting has been linked with depression. Studies suggest that adolescent perception of parental alienation and rejection, along with the insecure attachment relationship, are also strongly related to anxiety.
Temperament has also been studied, and characteristics such as shyness, inhibition and withdrawal increase one’s risk of anxiety. Girls, by the way, have a two-fold increased risk.
It is so easy to label kids as being non-committed, defiant or difficult. Maybe it is time to take a different look at youth today. The stressors are different now than 20, 40 or 60 years ago. Pressure and expectations are great.
Youth today are also much wiser than most adults. However, the common sense ability is not well developped until a person is in his or her mid-20s. Adults have to use common sense to direct youth.
Yelling and fighting with them will not work. Talking to youth, listening to what they are feeling, and determining a plan that will work for both them and you will go a long way in helping them get through difficult teen times.
When youth feel valued and listened to, they will trust you. Hmm, sounds like the way adults want to be treated.
Boundaries are also important at this age, such as setting computer limits, blocking inappropriate sites, setting rules around appropriate times for cell phone use (not in their rooms at night, so they get sleep), and keeping open communication (ask them about their day!).
Kids and youth that feel alone are often being bullied. Talk to your kids. You will be surprised how far support will go in their development and growth, and also your relationship with them.
Teachers and mentors, take heed, this information goes for you as well.
Karen Hourtovenko, RN(EC), is a Sudbury-based health and wellness consultant.
Posted by Jenny Jelen
