It is normal for us to experience anxiety at certain times in life. Similarly single children with no siblings also experience anxiety. The point to take note is when anxiety interferes with our daily activates. When the child cannot perform the daily activities it is time to take note. According to the Indian Journal of Pediatrics 6% of the only-children have anxiety disorders. It was found that it is more prevalent in the urban areas compared to the rural areas.
There are different factors or a combination of factors that can cause anxiety disorders in children. Few of the main factors that can contribute to the anxiety in single children are the genetic factors, the family and society they live in, parental upbringing, school related stress, traumatic events in life and environmental factors.
There is a good chance that a single child could have anxiety disorders if there is a family history of anxiety. The family and the society they live in can contribute to the problem. It the family or society constantly exerts pressure on the child this can affect the only-child. It does not matter whether the child has and siblings, but the parental upbringing matters. Parents who are very strict with their child or on the other hand those who are overprotective can contribute to this problem. Most of the only-children face stress at school. When the stress is too much for them to handle the child can develop anxiety disorder. Environment can also contribute to the problem.
Here are some of the symptoms to take note of to see if children are having anxiety disorders. One is excessive worry. If the child excessively worries about any small issue constantly it could be symptom. Another thing to note are the physical symptoms like headache, stomach upset, nausea and dizziness. Every one faces these problems but when these problems are chronic for no apparent reason you must take note. Not getting proper sleep or sleeping too much is another symptom. The child being constantly restless or irritable is another symptom. Another symptom to take note is not having the ability to concentrate. If your only-child has any one or more of the symptoms you will have to get to your physician. It is the physician who will decide if your child has anxiety issues.
The treatment will depend on the type of anxiety and mental health professional would decide what is best for the child. The different types of treatments include Medication, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, Relaxation techniques, Life style changes and Exposure therapy. Treatment for anxiety in children typically involves a combination of therapy and, in some cases, medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of therapy that helps children learn coping skills to manage anxiety and develop new strategies for managing stress and uncertainty. It’s important to seek professional help if a child is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
