Separation Anxiety or Panic in 10yr old?

[Froody]

My son has recently started to have difficulty in schoool. This started a month or so after what I can only describe as the worst 6 weeks ever for him healthy-wise. He got a mild concussion in football and was out of the game for 2 weeks (this really made him nervous as his cousin had a severe concussion with lasting brain damage), soon after he healed from the concussion he got swine flu and was out of school the better part of two weeks, shortly after a return to health he got Mono and strep throat (he wasn't fatigued, but had a severe sore throat, pains,and difficulty swallowing).Now he gets scared at school. His grades are fine, it's just that he gets so scared mainly about his health. For the past week he has been to the nurse daily and to the guidance counslor once. He gets a "sick feeling in his stomach, feels a little dizzy, and can't stop it." If he calls me or my husband he is able to calm down for the most part (says he still a little shaky) and go back to class. He needs reassurance that he is OK. At home he has what looks like a panic attack just talking about his nervousness. Could all of this be separation anxiety (this is what the guidance office thinks), or a full blown anxiety/panic disorder? We are taking him to a therapist on monday,and hope they can help. It breaks my heart to see my little guy suffer, I just hope it can be treated.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, he will be OK and you are doing the right thing by getting him some help. He has been through a rough patch, so to speak, and it is understandable he would develop worry/anxiety about his health. I really do not see evidence of separation anxiety. The anxiety is focused around his health - that is what frightens him. Regardless, though, he can use some help articulating his concerns and also learning techniques to cope with the anxiety.

[babygirl6152]

I obviously am not an expert- sorry just my 2 cents

[babygirl6152]

I know middle school kiddos that are helped tremendously with anti anxiety meds. Don't be scared to medicate him if that is what he needs. Good luck

[Froody]

Dr. Kennedy I appreciate the information! I needed the reassurance that he can be helped and will be OK. He continues to have panicky attacks daily (I have no idea if they are panic attacks or anxiety attacks), but I am now hopeful that we can get him help, and get this under control.
Babygirl6152 Thanks for your input too! If he needs meds I'm fine with that, if he doesn't need them, that would be wonderful also, what ever it takes to help! Thanks again