ANXIETY DISORDERS
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Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety Disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder in children and young people.

Causes of anxiety disorders

  • Factors that contribute to the development of anxiety disorders include: genetic predisposition, psychological factors and environmental factors. 

Symptoms of anxiety disorders

  • Symptoms fall into two groups: physical symptoms like headaches or  feeling sick; and emotional symptoms  like nervousness and fear. 
  • Anxiety disorders, when severe, can affect a child's thinking, decision-making ability, perception of the environment as well as learning and concentration. 
  • It can raise blood pressure and heart rate and can cause vomiting, stomach pain, ulcers, diarrhoea, tingling, weakness and shortness of breath. 

Treatment for anxiety disorders

  • Treatment for anxiety disorders may include some form of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and or medications. 

How you can help

Supporting students with anxiety disorders

Understanding anxiety

  • Recognise that anxiety can seriously impact on a young person’s life and they need understanding and support to help them manage the condition.  
  • Talking can help but it may take some time for a young person to feel confident or comfortable to express their worries or concerns.  

Classroom culture

  • A supportive and open culture, where everyone is listened to and valued may help a young person feel more able to seek help and support. 
  • Recognise and value all contributions to school life not only the academic or outstanding achievements. 
  • Provide a calm and quiet space that can be accessed with a time out card.  
  • Positive feedback and praise when a young person does something well or overcomes a challenge.  
  • A planned and supportive return to school if anxiety has affected attendance. 

Helpful activities

  • Active teaching of skills such as relaxation and self calming can help some young people.  
  • An accessible box of distraction activities such as mindful colouring, sensory materials such as play dough and fiddle toys.  
  • Practical help to prioritise and organise workload as students may fall behind and become overwhelmed. For example, teacher notes on missed work, 1-1 meeting to discuss subject priorities and deadlines.  
  • Access to a named member of staff if students need someone to talk to. 

More Information

Anxiety Disorders