Anxiety is the human body's reaction to dangerous situations. It is a natural reaction in the face of threatening events so as to promote safety and well-being. However, for some children and adolescents, such as Sarah from the previous case study, the anxiety response goes awry, resulting in unmanageable levels of anxiety in situations that are not dangerous in reality. It can be severe, frequent and persistent and does not match the circumstances in which the child or youth finds themselves. This kind of anxiety interferes severely with normal functioning and development of the child or youth: academically as well as socially. What makes it more difficult, is that children and youth may not yet be equipped with the communication skills required to communicate their fears and needs.
This is a very serious disorder that often goes undiagnosed. If these students are not helped and accomodated for at home and at school, they will forgo assertive and independent behaviour as they grow older, become excessively withdrawn, fearful, apathetic, depressed and possibly suicidal.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Anxiety is the human body's reaction to dangerous situations. It is a natural reaction in the face of threatening events so as to promote safety and well-being. However, for some children and adolescents, such as Sarah from the previous case study, the anxiety response goes awry, resulting in unmanageable levels of anxiety in situations that are not dangerous in reality. It can be severe, frequent and persistent and does not match the circumstances in which the child or youth finds themselves. This kind of anxiety interferes severely with normal functioning and development of the child or youth: academically as well as socially. What makes it more difficult, is that children and youth may not yet be equipped with the communication skills required to communicate their fears and needs.
This is a very serious disorder that often goes undiagnosed. If these students are not helped and accomodated for at home and at school, they will forgo assertive and independent behaviour as they grow older, become excessively withdrawn, fearful, apathetic, depressed and possibly suicidal.
Signs and Symptoms of GAD