uncontrollable fear in my 8 year old son

[loistlane]

My 8 year son suffers with extreme irrational fear. He is very smart and above average in school also he is very good  at all sports although he hates to lose or not be the best at anything if. The topics of fear change about every three months. I first noticed noticed this when he was 5. He then feared police and cried uncontrollably when ever he heard a siren or saw a police man. He though they was coming for him and wouldn't listen to any reasoning. His topics of fear have since changed a number of times and when a new fear starts the old one disappears. He has since feared travelling anywhere regardless of the distance in case we got lost, ran out of petrol or broke down. I have had to physically force him into the car at times because he would resist that much. His most recent fear is swimming  although he is an accomplished  swimmer he would not even get into the pool. He just clams up and cries and doesn't listen to anything if you pursue it he will cry scream kick and get physical. Please help

[jdtm]

I'm wondering if your son might suffer from GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder).  This disorder often increases at about 8 years of age.  I might suggest you google words/phrases as "GAD and children" or "anxiety behaviors in children" or "anxiety disorders and children" or similar words/phrases.  If you feel that your son could be suffering from anxiety, there is lots and lots of help available.  But first, see your family doctor.  If he/she is unable to help you, then ask for a referral to a medical mental health specialist with experience in anxiety disorders as a child neurologist or child psychiatrist or pediatric behaviouralist, etc.  A "therapist" can help; but since anxiety is an emotional, mental and physical disorder, a medical doctor will be required.  But note that anxiety is a very common issue and highly treatable.

If anxiety is the issue, keep in mind that research has proven anxiety is a genetic trait and not caused by life experiences (although life experiences can exacerbate the problem).  By the way, you also might wish to disucss this issue with his teacher - I suspect he also might have "fears" related to school.  All the best ...

[teddybears4ever2]

I would for sure speak to a doctor and then maybe to a therapist.  

[margypops]

Could he have seen something that scared him when he was 5 year old, maybe on TV or the computer, you say he feared the police then would you know why had he seen a scary show  has he older siblings ? It may be a good idea to speak to the doctor about his fears .Have you asked him why he feels afraid to go swimming when previously he has been okay ?