Anxiety is an emotion and a defense mechanism that happens when an unpleasant or dangerous situations or stimuli is anticipated. When anxiety is directed at a specific stimulus it is referred to as fear. This emotion protects us and is normal when in the right context. For example, we look to the sides before crossing a crosswalk, for fear of being run over. Anxiety becomes a problem and, therefore, an anxiety disorder , when a neutral or harmless stimulus is understood to be potentially dangerous and the reactions it causes interfere with daily life. Normative anxiety, that is, one that does not affect functioning and is short-term, can occur in the context of evaluations or changes in our lives. Although a greater anxiety is normal at times of evaluations, change of school or class, among other situations related to the school context, about 5% of children have anxiety disorders that must be assessed and monitored. Social anxiety disorder is one of the subtypes of anxiety disorders. It is characterized by marked anxiety or fear in situations where someone is exposed to possible scrutiny by others. This is the anxiety disorder that often underlies stress at school assessments and exams. In this case, children are afraid and avoid interactions that access their performance, because they believe that others will evaluate them negatively. School or class changes can also cause anxious symptoms. In this case, it is mainly generalized anxiety disorders, which manifest in children with a tendency to worry, with a wide variety of negative possibilities that something bad is going to happen. In addition to avoiding tests or even refusing to attend school, children with anxiety disorders often manifest physical symptoms , for example: Headache; Bellyache; Loss of appetite; Difficulty swallowing; Difficulty breathing; Insomnia. How should parents help? Anxiety disorders can be hereditary. It is even said that, through genes and behavior, anxiety circulates in families. The attitude of parents and what they transmit to children is very important : Stress that your love for them does not depend on their academic results; Avoid comparing school results with that of siblings / colleagues; Stress that the value of children as persons does not depend on their academic results; Avoid expressions like "you will never get anywhere"; State that tests and other assessments are the way of understanding if they are retaining the information transmitted at school, which is important for them to grow healthy and balanced; Emphasize that the error allows evolution, referring, for example, “today it went wrong, it does not matter… it is part of the process, we learn and tomorrow it will go better”; Praise the process, not just the final result; Teach that change is part of life (the seasons change, the days of the week change, the day and the night, the human being evolves from baby to old), the changes are natural and have positive and negative aspects to which we all have to adapt; Emphasize that change can bring new people, new contexts, new possibilities for growth. Note that we do not have to like everyone, nor does everyone have to like us. When is it necessary to seek professional help? When anxiety symptoms alter the child functioning , for example with refusal to go to school, exaggerated symptoms for the situation, emotional and / or physical suffering, professional help should be sought. Psychotherapy is the first-line treatment in these situations, and an association with psychopharmacology may be necessary. Author : Filipa Moreira Meet the child and adolescent psychiatry team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
