Anxiety symptoms and signs in children and teenagers

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The similarities and differences in symptoms of anxiety in adults compared to children and adolescents depend on the specific condition that is causing the anxiety. For example, symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are quite similar in children and teens compared to adults except that children and teens are less likely to recognize that their thoughts or behaviours are irrational. That is also true of minors who suffer from social phobia or specific phobia.

In addition to some of the differences in the symptoms themselves, before puberty, males seem to develop OCD more commonly than girls, and after puberty, females seem to have OCD more often than males. In children and adolescents, boys and girls seem to develop panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder at equal rates. Disorders that tend to occur with OCD (co-morbid) are more commonly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and tics in prepubescent people, versus other anxiety disorders and depression in teens and adults.

Symptoms of anxiety in children and teens tend to be consistent with how they express feelings in general. For example, lacking the higher ability to express feelings verbally compared to older children, younger children tend to express anxiety by complaining of physical symptoms like stomach upset or headaches. They are also more likely to cry, have tantrums, or become clingy. Compared to anxiety symptoms in children, in teens, the symptoms of anxiety will more closely approximate those in adults. However, adolescents are more likely than adults to exhibit anxiety by becoming irritable or angry.

Children with an anxiety disorder tend to develop the illness in early childhood, with symptoms being persistent, coming and going into adulthood.


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The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

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