Excessive Worry

[jaliraca]

My 7 year old son is expereincing excessive worry about his 5 year old brother and us, his parents. For example, if I am downstairs doing the laundy and he cannot see me he starts to panic that I am not in the house at all. If he hears the door open and close (maybe to just bring in the newspaper)  he stops whatever he is doing to make sure nobody has left. Today's problem was at school they were practising their emegency measures evacuation procedures and he left his Grade 2 line and went to look to make sure his brother got into the Kindergarten line. It was brought to my attention by the teacher. She paniced becasuehe left the line and cold not be counted. She also mentioned thast there have been other situations where the older brother got worried about where his brother was. My question is this - if this has been going on now for more than twelve months, should I have him see a psychologist or just continue with at home positive reinforcement and just continue to tell him where we are. What doesn't make sense to us is that he can walk to his friends house and play there, he goes to school and plays on various sports teams. He can stay the night at certain kids houses and he is not afraid to meet new people, he is personable and very outgoing. It is when it comes to the three other members and pets I should add, he gets really concerned and worried about them.

[91004]

I would ask the pediatician before you see a psychologist. He is able to leave the family and do other activities, I would keep explaining that you all are fine and he doesnt need to worry.

[jdtm]

Your question - if this has been going on now for more than twelve months, should I have him see a psychologist  - My answer - yes.  It appears the anxiety your son is experiencing is interfering with his life - that is the "clue" that your son requires extra help. By the way, a psychologist usually works with the parents and offers advice, and ideas/hints to the parents to better help their child.  Since each child is different, it usually takes a professional to guide parents through this type of "intervention".

I suspect your son is suffering from GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) or SAD (Separation Anxiety Disorder or perhaps - a combination of both.  I might suggest you google the term "childhood anxiety" or "anxiety disorders in children" or similar words/phrases to become more educated about this very common disorder (it is estimated that approximately 10-13% of the population suffer from some form of anxiety).  Then, it is time to see your son's pediatrician or family doctor for assistance.  If he/she is unable to help you, ask for a referral to a medical person with experience in anxiety issues.

The reason your son is able to interact with his peers is because he is not "afraid" for them or of them.  This type of anxiety would be called "social phobia" and your son does not display any of the behaviours.  This is common for children who suffer from GAD and sometimes (although more rare) SAD.

If anxiety is the issue, then your son will not outgrow it nor will it go away (but you already have that figured out).  Since your son's teacher has commented on his behaviour as being "not the norm", then it is time to seek advice and help.  I wish you the best ....

[margypops]

Has he heard any worrysome talk at home regarding the safety of his Family?has anyone left or died and he is concerned the same will happen to you, how about his friends has there been an upset there he could have witnessed or heard about?   anything scary on the TV he seems overly protective for a young child. Check out all avenues before getting further help.