Anxiety In Children: Consult Top Child Psychiatrist in Patna

10 Nov Anxiety In Children: Consult Top Child Psychiatrist in Patna

Every child experiences, at times, a bit of anxiety and worry, which is totally normal sometimes—for instance, before a significant test or on the first day of school.

When these ordinary sensations disrupt daily life, causing sleep issues, appetite changes, or abandoned play, they may indicate an anxiety disorder.

Children’s mental health problems are often dismissed as “just a phase,” with anxiety being one of the most common problems among children.

According to Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh – child psychiatrist in patna bihar, anxiety in a child may manifest through various symptoms, among which are stomach aches, being easily annoyed, or refusing to go to school.

If he/she gets the right treatment along with guidance and support, the child will not only become capable of handling anxiety but perhaps even prosper.

In this blog, we will first explain children’s anxiety, its various forms, triggers, and signs, and then give practical advice for parents helping children cope with anxiety.

Anxiety Disorder In Children Definition

Anxiety is the most frequent physiological reaction to stress or perceived danger that is common in all human beings.

Sometimes children’s anxiety can escalate into a challenging issue with common symptoms.

A child who starts exhibiting signs of panic, nerves, or anxiety in your class should be reported to the parents right away.

There can even be a case where the child is so frightened or tensed up that he or she will not want to go to the party or join in playing with the other children.

The kid might also suffer from other medical issues like headaches and stomachaches without any cause, or he or she will be just tired without any reason.

An anxious child seeks parental approval, support, and reassurance through activities, groups, or specific people.

An anxious child may feel isolated, thinking they are the sole target of criticism, leading to low self-esteem, insecurity, and difficulty forming friendships.

Children find it hard to express emotions; their gestures and facial expressions can indicate an underlying anxiety disorder.

That is why parents need to give their children comfort, support, and love they might need, along with identifying their fears, worries, or even anxiety.

Most common Anxiety Disorder In Children

Children and adolescents commonly face various types of mood disorders as a significant mental health challenge.

How anxiety manifests often depends on the child’s age and their environment.

1: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Children with GAD see everything and everyone as a potential source of worry, and even all the changes that might happen in their everyday world (school, home, friends, etc.) are causes of worry.

The child who has GAD may think that nothing less than perfect will do, and if their wish is not granted in any way, they will be very much disappointed.

2: Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation Anxiety Disorder is usually that of little children and their parents.

The child, afraid of family harm, cries, clings, and fears while at school out of sight from parents.

Such thoughts would make it unbearable for the child to be separated from the parent, even if it is just for a few hours.

3: Social Anxiety Disorder

Children with this disorder will go to any lengths to avoid encountering groups or public events.

For instance, the child feared making new friends, attending parties, and speaking in class, so they chose silence over rejection or public speaking.

4: Specific Phobias

A child can have an unreasonable fear of some situations or objects—dogs, water, dark, etc.

When they meet those fears, they would either panic or perhaps run away.

5: Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is characterized by the occurrence of sudden, intense panic attacks.

Shortness of breath, dizziness, or an elevated heart rate or chest pain often accompany panic attacks, and the fear of having another panic attack amplifies anxiety.

6: Selective Mutism

In selective mutism, a child does not talk to other kids at school or during social events, but they can speak freely with their family, like brothers, sisters, and parents.

Anxiety Disorder In Children Symptoms

It’s important to remember that it’s normal for children to feel worried occasionally, but if the anxiety is persistent, excessive, and interferes with their daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder.

Here are common signs of anxiety disorder in children, often grouped into emotional, behavioral, and physical categories.

Take a look at childhood anxiety symptoms checklist

Physical Symptoms

• Recurrent headaches or stomach pain without a clear medical cause
• Intense sweating, trembling, or shaking of the body
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty resting, even when tired
• Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or chest tightness

Emotional Symptoms

• Persistent worries, fears, or excessive phobias about everyday situations
• Becoming easily irritated, frequent mood swings, or emotional outbursts
• Heightened sensitivity to criticism or frequent arguments over small issues
• Intense fear of making mistakes or failing to meet others’ expectations

Behavioral Symptoms

• Frequent school absences, reluctance to attend school, or avoidance of social outings
• Difficulty concentrating, trouble completing tasks, or frequent distractions
• Constantly seeking reassurance from parents, teachers, or peers
• Sudden withdrawal from family, friends, or previously enjoyed activities

If your child’s worries are persistent and affecting their life, consider consulting Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh or a healthcare provider.

He is highly recommended top child psychiatrist in patna bihar practicing in Patna, Bihar, with significant experience in the field.

Dr. singh is known for his work at the Pratap Neuro and Child Psychiatry Clinic, specializing in the diagnosis and management of child and adolescent behavioral problems.

What causes Anxiety Disorder In Children?

The development of an anxiety disorder in a child is complex and is not caused by a single factor.

Instead, it results from a combination of genetic, biological, temperamental, and environmental influences working together.

Here is a breakdown of anxiety disorder in children causes…

In summary, childhood anxiety disorders usually arise from a complex gene-environment interaction, where a child with a genetic predisposition encounters specific environmental stressors that tip the balance into a clinical disorder.

Severe Anxiety Disorder In Children: Diagnosis

A qualified mental health professional, like a child psychiatrist or psychologist, performs a comprehensive, multi-step process to diagnose severe anxiety disorder in children.

The “severity” of an anxiety disorder is based on how symptoms disrupt a child’s daily life, like school refusal, social withdrawal, or chronic physical issues.

Here is an overview of the diagnostic process:

• Medical History and Physical Exam: The first step for doctors is to rule out every physical condition, which could be the reason for symptoms similar to anxiety, such as a problem with the thyroid or a lack of vitamins.
• Psychological Evaluation: After that, a child psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist will either talk to the child or use a questionnaire to estimate behaviors, sentiments, and thoughts.
• Observation in Various Contexts: Anxiety can also show up in different ways depending on whether the child is under observation in the home, school, or social settings. At the same time, teachers and caregivers frequently have a say in giving out crucial information.
• Criteria for Diagnosis: A mental health expert will rely on diagnostic criteria/checklists (like the DSM-5) to ascertain if the symptoms are in line with the clinical markers for diagnosis.

Early Diagnosis is Important:

Diagnosing at an early stage is very beneficial in obtaining treatment, and it will also give clinicians a chance to identify possible long-term complications (depression, academic failures, or lack of self-esteem).

Educators and parents can jointly assist in the treatment plan by providing feedback as to the degree of the symptoms over a period of time.

Anxiety Disorder In Children Treatment

Treatments for kids with anxiety aim to reduce symptoms, boost the child’s confidence, and help them face their fears step by step.

1: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is the gold-standard treatment for pediatric anxiety.

It helps children identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns (e.g., catastrophizing or “all-or-nothing” thoughts) and replace them with balanced, realistic perspectives.

Through structured sessions, children learn coping skills like problem-solving, cognitive restructuring, and exposure to feared situations in a controlled, gradual way.

2: Play Therapy

Ideal for younger children (ages 3–10) who struggle to verbalize emotions, play therapy uses toys, art, storytelling, and role-play to express fears and process experiences.

Therapists observe patterns in play to uncover underlying worries and guide the child toward emotional regulation and confidence.

3: Family Therapy

Anxiety often affects the entire family system.

Family therapy educates parents on supportive responses, reduces enabling behaviors (like excessive reassurance), and improves communication.

It addresses parental anxiety or conflict that may reinforce the child’s symptoms, fostering a calmer home environment.

4: Medication

For moderate to severe cases unresponsive to therapy alone, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or fluoxetine may be prescribed by a child psychiatrist.

Medication is typically short-term, closely monitored for side effects, and always paired with therapy to address root causes and prevent relapse.

5: Lifestyle Changes

Consistent sleep (9–11 hours nightly), balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity stabilize mood and reduce physiological stress.

Limiting screen time, especially before bed, and encouraging outdoor play or hobbies further support emotional regulation.

By starting early and getting regular help from professionals and parents, children can lower their anxiety, build confidence, and do better in everyday life.

How To Treat Anxiety Disorder In Children – Coping Strategies

The most effective way to help your child cope with anxiety involves a shift from protecting them from distress to teaching them how to manage it.

Here are key coping strategies and supportive actions you can take:

• Find a Safe Place: Leave the door open for your child to let out their feelings and thoughts to you without fear of being judged. Be an unbiased observer and support their feelings.
• Teach Relaxation Skills: Breathing techniques, mindfulness, and yoga for children—all can help the storm of disorganized and fast-moving thoughts pass more peacefully.
• Keep a Routine: When children are aware of the situation, they feel less anxious. Rigid timetables provide security and reduce the uncertainty, which is mostly the cause of anxiety; thus, children become more trusting and feel less anxious.
• Encourage Gradual Exposure: Children should be taught to confront their fears instead of completely shying away from them. Even the tiniest victories will add to their bravery.
• Refrain from Overprotection: It is crucial to your child that you are there during the difficult periods; however, that does not mean that you should always be their barrier against adversity. Toughness is a part of life and a quality that needs to be nurtured.
• Praise Efforts and Accomplishments: Every tiny step or achievement, no matter how small, should be appreciated. Small things can lead to big ones and to altering behavior.

If your child’s anxiety is severe and regularly interferes with school, sleep, or social life, professional help—specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a child specialist—is highly recommended.

When to Seek Professional Help?

Kids may feel nervous occasionally, but persistent anxiety can affect daily life, school, sleep, social interactions, and cause physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches.

In such cases, maybe a specialist’s intervention will be necessary.

Parents should watch for children isolating, losing interest in activities, or expressing hopelessness; these signs indicate a need for help.

If your kid is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is really crucial to get professional help instead of thinking that it will be “okay” or that the kid will manage to cope with it by themselves.

The first step is to consult a pediatrician to rule out any physical health issues, followed by getting a referral to a therapist or child psychiatrist for medication management.

In addition to the ways mentioned, school counselors are crucial in emotionally supporting children and teaching how to handle academic stress.

Seek help early for diagnosis and treatment as suppressed anxiety can lead to serious mental disorders like depression or panic.

Therapy and counseling aid children in building coping skills, self-worth, and emotional awareness, improving their overall well-being and resilience.

Conclusion

Researchers have established that children suffering from anxiety disorders are gaining not only acknowledgment but also therapy.

A mix of kindness, enlightenment, and skillful handling could help a kid turn into a conqueror of anxiety and a mentally healthy person.

We cannot overstate the need to gradually listen, support, and direct.

Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and confident with good parenting guiding them towards these emotions.

For families in Patna seeking expert guidance, consulting a best child psychiatrist in patna like Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh, with over 10 years of experience in neuropsychiatry and child mental health at Pratap Neuro and Child Psychiatry Clinic in Kankarbagh, can provide specialized support tailored to your child’s needs.

FAQs

1: Why Is My 7-Year-Old Anxious?

Seven years mark a period in a child’s development during which anxiety is usually linked to fear of separation, stress at school, or even their environment changing.

An overly sensitive child may overreact to minor events due to anxiety about outcomes and the safety of their small mistakes.

Providing reassurance, daily routines, and emotional support can help reduce fears and boost children’s confidence.

2: What to Do If Your Child Has Anxiety?

The best move one can make towards a child’s anxiety is to exercise patience and remain calm.

Such a non-judgmental listener who recognizes emotions and does not label fears as irrational—those are the main actions to take.

You could give the child some relaxation methods like deep breathing and mindfulness, and treat the child’s anxiety as a workout, to support the child.

If anxiety significantly impacts daily life, it’s best to consult a physician or child psychologist for proper diagnosis, treatment, and support.

3: What Is The Root Cause Of Anxiety In Children?

Genetics, neurochemistry, environment, and the child’s personality traits commonly influence anxiety in children.

Stressful situations such as family conflicts, bullying, or even a change in status, like divorce, can often lead to or worsen a child’s anxiety.

Identifying and addressing issues promptly reduces the risk of children developing chronic anxiety and fosters emotional resilience.

4: What Is The 3 3 3 Rule For Anxiety Kids?

The 3-3-3 method is a grounding strategy that aims at restricting anxious thoughts.

The child performs three tasks: identifying three things they can see, three things they can hear, and three body parts that move.

This changes the focus from the anxious feelings to the present moment again.

 5: What Are 5 Ways To Calm Down Anxiety?

Activities for anxious youth include deep breathing, light jogging, affirmations, journaling worries, and calming music.

Easy methods control emotions, relax the body, and divert attention to make the child feel calm.

6: At What Age Does Anxiety Peak?

During ages 6-11, anxiety peaks as children face increasing demands in school, social settings, and responsibility.

Hence, they start comparing themselves with peers on the basis of these characteristics, and their self-awareness develops.

Emotional support combined with balanced approaches helps children to develop a sense of balance, control, and stability.

7: When To Worry About Child Anxiety?

You should seek professional help if your child’s anxiety is persistent, severe, or begins to interfere with their daily life, such as school, friendships, or family activities.

Worry is normal, but if it causes frequent physical symptoms like stomach aches, or leads to significant avoidance of normal activities, it may indicate a disorder.

A good starting point is an appointment with a pediatrician or general practitioner.

8: How To Treat Anxiety In Child Naturally?

Natural approaches focus on teaching coping mechanisms and building resilience.

Support their feelings, teach calming techniques, and urge them to confront fears gradually rather than avoiding them.

You can also model healthy ways to manage your own stress and ensure a supportive, predictable environment.

9: How Common Is Anxiety Disorder In Children?

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric conditions in children and adolescents.

Anxiety disorder in children statistics statistics suggest that nearly one in twelve children and a quarter of adolescents may receive a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder in a given year.

The prevalence is significant, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early intervention.

10: Do My Child Have An Anxiety Disorder?

Parents often questions – Does My Child Suffer From Anxiety? Only a qualified mental health professional can formally diagnose an anxiety disorder.

Consider seeking a consultation if you notice excessive worrying, frequent physical complaints, or persistent avoidance of age-appropriate activities.