Tweens
“How Much Bad News Can Your Child Handle?” Anxiety Test

When Amy’s daughter watched the news on TV, she couldn’t sleep at night. The scary things she saw had a profound effect on the 6-year-old, causing her true anxiety with physical symptoms. Like a lot of parents, Amy didn’t know what to make of her daughter’s symptoms at first, as conditions like anxiety or depression can be difficult to diagnose. Below are some questions you can answer to see if your child’s behavior adds up to something that needs the attention of a pediatrician or counselor.

Give your child 1 point for every question to which you answer “yes.”

1.  Does your child express excessive or persistent worry about potential dangers or disasters?

2.  Does your child express unrealistic worries?

3.  Does your child recognize some worries as unrealistic, but still have trouble controlling them?

4.  Does your child display restlessness, edginess, tension or difficulty concentrating?

5.  Does your child struggle with sleep problems?

6.  Does your child ever struggle with the symptoms of a full-blown panic attack such as extreme fear, racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, shaking or trembling, etc.? (These attacks can come upon children while sleeping, as well.)

7.  Does your child frequently complain of vague physical illnesses such as stomach upset or headaches?

If your child scored 2 or higher on this scale, you probably want to ask your pediatrician for advice or for a more thorough analysis. Anxiety can have serious and upsetting consequences for your child, making everyday life—school, making friends, and experiencing new things—more difficult. Prompt treatment can help many children move past their nagging fears and enjoy a happier, more carefree childhood.

Also, take a look at this article on the different types of anxiety children experience and how to teach them valuable coping skills.

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