Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD)

Accoring to the DSM-IV GAD is...Excessive anxiety and worry occurringmore days than not and for at least 6 months, about a number ofevents or activities;Unable to control worries

What is generalized anxiety disoorder in children?

Children can have anxiety about:PetsSchoolHome lifeSportsSocial events

Classroom Strategies:Transitions for each activityDaily routinesBreathing exercises to before beginning the day Ask the students about what might help reduce their anxiety Use group activities

Symptoms:-Physical symptoms include: headaches, stomach aches, muscle tensions, fidgety -Trouble sleeping-Avoidance -Feeling on edge-Difficulty concentrating -Irritability- Asking “What if” questions

More Information on Children's GAD!

Educate other students:Using a Feelings Chart Reading Books on AnxietyDiscussing ways to copeLesson plans about what anxiety is

Common methods of treatment:Always stay positive Anxiety Awareness Breathing techniques Cognitive-behavior therapyAnti-anxiety Medications

Teacher interactions with positive behaviors:-Teach positive self-regulation-Teach alternative ways of completing an assignment -Breathing exercises -Allowing the children to express their feelings-Acknowledge efforts of controlling anxiety -Role playing positive behaviors-Encourage that anxiety can be good if it is under control

Your Classroom Modifications:Creating a “safe place” for students to go toBooks about anxiety and how to copeCalming musicSoft/ comfortable objects around the roomUsing the color lavender to promote relaxation

Resources:-Anxiety and Depression Association of America - Children’s Anxiety Institute- Florida Hospital for Children - South Seminole Hospital Orlando Health- Anxiety BC- Resources. Results. Relief. - GAD explained in Spainsh

What is one way to help children who have GAD in your classroom?

References:American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (2013). Anxiety Disorders Resource Center. Retrieved from: http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Anxiety_Disorder_Resource_Center/Home.aspxAnxiety and Depression Association of America. Tips for Parents and Caregivers. Retrieved from: http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/childrenAnxiety and Depression Association of America. Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Retrieved from: http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/childrenAndrews, M.D. Gavin. (2010). Generalized Worry Disorder. Depression and Anxiety. Retrieved from: http://www.dsm5.org/Research/Documents/Andrews%20et%20al_Generalized%20Worry%20Disorder.pdfHumanity Quest. Art Activities for Anxiety. Retrieved from: http://humanityquest.com/topic/art_activities/index.asp?theme1=anxietyBooks retrieved form: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/Videos retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/ .