Children’s Anxiety Checklist

Children’s Anxiety Checklist

                                      Use The following check list to observe your child. This list should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health. This only a guide/reference. Please seek professional help if you have concerns.

o Constant worry about things that might happen

(What if I fall down again, what if my sister gets really sick again and has to go to the hospital?)

o Anger more often than usual

(He looked at me!! I hate him! Why is he looking at me?!)

o Perfectionism
(balling up a piece of paper because of a simple fixable mistake to redo it.  Upset when something is not done the way they want or expected.)

 o Poor memory and concentration

(forgetting to do a task you told them to do not that long ago, or asking you what you told the child to do more than once, completing a task incorrectly after being provided specific/simple instructions.)

o Aggression (verbal and physical)
(destructive on purpose, hitting, kicking, biting, pushing, threats, etc)

o Pessimistic or negative thinking often
(Mommy might get hurt, my teacher is going to give me an F, What if a tornado comes??)

o Restlessness, irritability, tantrums

(Unable to get a good night’s sleep, upset often over things that may seem silly to you)

o Opposition and defiance

(Refusing to do what they are told, testing boundaries, responding “NO!” often)

o Crying

(again… upset often over things that may seem silly to you)

WWW.MISSAYLAHELPS.ORG

o Avoidance

(He or she will not go to place, specifically public places or places they have never been to. Scared of new situations) (ex: Excited about a friend’s party until the time comes to go to the party, then refusing to go.)

o Sleep patterns/routine changes

(difficulty falling asleep, trouble sleeping the entire night, nightmares, refusing to go to bed etc)

o Clinginess or fear of separation

(crying, screaming or throwing a tantrum when you attempt to leave, even if only for a moment)

o Procrastination
(“I’ll do it later” “I’ll do it in a minute” “Can I do that tomorrow.”)

o Physical complaints

(stomachaches, feeling tired, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, tightness or tension)

 o Withdrawal from activities and family interactions

(family outings or get-togethers appear to cause uneasiness or stress for the child.)

o Eating patterns/habits have changed
(Hoarding food in room or secret places, won’t eat in front of others, refusing to eat certain types of foods.)

o Over-exaggerating
(I always get into trouble because of other people, I am always last)

o Rigidity and inflexibility, self-criticism, guilty thoughts, etc.
(I can’t do that. No, I didn’t try it but I know I can’t.)

If you have checked 5 or more of these symptoms it may be time for you to seek professional guidance from your child’s primary care doctor for how to proceed with diagnosis and/or treatment.

 

Your child’s pediatrician may refer you to a specialist for further assessment/evaluation

Miss Ayla Helps Original