Tag Archives: anxiety

Be Not Anxious…Is Medication Safe for Kids With Anxiety?

One of the greatest ongoing controversies in the fields of child psychiatry and pediatrics is the question of how safe SSRIs are in children, teens and young adults. The safety issue of greatest concern involves reported risks of SSRIs increasing suicidal thoughts during the first 30-60 days of treatment in persons under the age of 25.
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Be Not Anxious…The Role of Medication for Kids With Anxiety

Medication is appropriate for children who experience moderate to severe functional impairment from anxiety symptoms, fail to respond or respond incompletely to psychotherapy or experience one or more comorbid conditions that require concurrent treatment. Medication is also appropriate when anxiety symptoms interfere with the child’s ability to participate in or benefit from talk therapy, or situations when the family is unable to access therapy for geographic or financial reasons. Continue reading

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Be Not Anxious…Understanding Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Kids

In general, the most effective approach to treating kids with significant anxiety is a combination of medication and a very specific counseling approach referred to as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Continue reading

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Be Not Anxious…Technology as a Ministry Tool for Kids With Anxiety?

What if churches began to make use of available technology to keep kids who struggle to overcome their anxiety engaged with youth ministry? Could kids who are too shy to attend church or participate in small groups connect with a local church through an online worship experience, coupled with discussion facilitated and monitored by a youth pastor or group leader? Continue reading

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Be Not Anxious…What Causes Anxiety Disorders in Children?

Welcome to our Summer Blog Series examining the impact of anxiety disorders on church participation and spiritual development in kids. Today, we’ll look at some of the causes of anxiety disorders in children and youth. Continue reading

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Be Not Anxious…Small Groups, Retreats and Mission Trips

Today, we’ll continue our look at challenges church participation poses for children and teens with anxiety disorders by looking at several potentially anxiety-inducing experiences…small groups, retreats and mission trips. Continue reading

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Be Not Anxious…”Doing Church” With Separation Anxiety or Panic Disorder

Today, we’ll continue our look at challenges church participation poses for children and teens with anxiety disorders by discussing specific situations likely to cause distress for kids with separation anxiety and panic disorder.
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Challenges Kids With Anxiety Face in “Doing Church”

A child with significant anxiety will likely face multiple impediments to full participation in the children’s or youth ministry of their local church. The specific thoughts, experiences and situations that create obstacles to participation and growth will be unique to each child, but the list below describes common challenges parents and church staff can anticipate when ministering to children and youth with anxiety. Continue reading

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Be Not Anxious…Conditions That Can Mimic Anxiety in Children and Teens

Welcome to our Summer Blog Series examining the impact of anxiety disorders on church participation and spiritual development in kids. Today, we’ll look at other conditions that can mimic signs and symptoms of anxiety in children and teens. Continue reading

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Be Not Anxious…Signs That a Child Might Struggle With Anxiety (Part Two):

Welcome to our Summer Blog Series examining the impact of anxiety disorders on church participation and spiritual development in kids. Today…we’ll complete our look at signs church staff, volunteers and parents might observe in the child struggling with anxiety. Continue reading

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