Aug. 17, 2000
For many students, going back to school is a positive experience, something they look forward to.
But for others, just the thought of returning to school can cause stomach aches, restless sleeping and even anxiety.
News Specialist Scott Light has tips on what parents can do.
The first for parents is to not take this lightly.
If your child seems skittish or threatened about going back to school, it could be an anxiety disorder.
Here's what to look for and how to get professional help if your child needs it.
About three kids in every classroom across American suffer from an anxiety disorder.
That the latest number from the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
It covers a broad range of ages too, from nine to 17.
Worries and fears are heightened even more this time of year as students prepare to go back to school.
Dr. Jim Ashworth/Adolescent Child Psychiatrist: "ANYTIME YOU GET ANXIOUS, THINK ABOUT THAT AS LIKE BEING SCARED. SO ANY SORT OF SYMPTOMS YOU CAN THINK OF WITH BEING SCARED... INCREASED HEARTRATE, NERVOUSNESS."
There are also other physical symptoms of anxiety parents should look for.
Dr. Paul Douthit/Child Behavior Specialist: "COMPLAINTS OF HEADACHES, COMPLAINTS OF STOMACH ACHES FOR EXAMPLE."
So how do parents know when to recognize a normal amount of anxiety or possibly an anxiety disorder.
"BUT WHEN ANXIETY INTERFERES WITH ABILITY TO GO TO SCHOOL, OR HOW WE PERFORM IN SCHOOL OR DO A JOB, THEN IT BECOMES A PROBLEM."
Younger students often go through separation anxiety.
But disorders can run the gamut-- obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, even phobias.
Parents should ask questions and listen.
"LISTEN TO THOSE FEARS. TALK WITH THEM ABOUT IT. AND ALL ALONG BE VERY REASSURING THAT 'I'M SURE THE TEACHER WILL BE FINE,' 'YOU'LL MAKE FRIENDS AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, IT'LL SEEM LIKE LAST YEAR.'"
If parents suspect problems, doctors say a good place to start is with a school counselor.
If symptoms persist, they may have to be addressed with medical treatment.
And don't think it's not happening.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorder in young people.
And keep this in mind: three-quarters of young kids with one anxiety disorder also suffer from another one.
