“Can anxiety in a child be fixed?”

Anxiety in a child so young is a learned disorder that must be unlearned.
First it must be determined what caused it to eliminate the source.

Then a trained Behavioral therapist can help her unlearn the fear.

Concerned Parent, Anxiety is a general term used to describe heighten arousal, uncomfortable and painful emotional reactions, avoidant behavior (or the wish to avoid certain contexts) and physical symptoms usually associated with a sense of fear and dread. Such reactions can be context specific, such as only witnessed at the playground, school, or in the presence of certain individuals, or, witnessed across contexts. The child experiences fear and reacts as if something bad is or might happen to her / him in many day-to-day situations. If the child can explain to her / his parents what is going on, and, what frightens the child, this information can be communicated easily to therapists and behavioral experts who deal specifically with younger children. Experts who help younger children usually work with the child individually and with the participation of the childs parents or those adults raising the child. Providing the child with a sense of safety while assisting the adults raising the child to participate in the process of reducing fears while building skills helps significantly. Thorough treatments which help the child to feel greater competence and self-confidence when dealing with those situations which elicit apprehension and fear are typically within the range for most children. As in any treatment format, having a greater grasp of knowing what is going on within the child and the behaviors which are generated by the childs apprehensions and fears is very helpful. It is very valuable to those adults responsible for the childs sense of well-being and the development of their emotional and social skills.

Yes, anxiety can be treated in a 5 year old. At this age I would focus more on CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) rather than meds. Also, it's important not to show anxiety around her. Children often mirror the anxiety of their primary caregiver (usually the mother).

Namaste,  Sorry to hear that your 5 year old daughter has anxieties. Do you know what she is anxious about?  How does she express her anxieties? The root cause of her anxieties needs to be explored so those issues can be addressed. You may want to take her to see a Pediatric Psychologist who specializes in working with children who experience anxieties. Your insurance may guide you to such a specialist. Take care and stay safe.

Yes of course. This is a bit of a loaded question, however, not understanding the nature of the anxiety, e.g. trauma related, neurodevelopmental concerns such as sensory issues, Autism, speech problems, social concerns, etc. or other. You will want her to see a neuropsychologist/ psychologist to discuss how long the anxiety has been present and to help determine the nature of the anxiety. There is a lot of help available once the nature of the anxiety is better understood. Rule the above listed things out (there are many potential contributors even PANDAS and other things that a neuropsychologist can rule in/out).

Yes, depending on the source. And that is where one begins. Is there a specific and are identifiable cause associated with the anxiety manifest in the child? Also, how does the anxiety present in the child is a very important clue to the sources. There are normal passing childhood fears that occur as a part of development. Our loud noises is often one of those things associated with unrealistic fears that produce. Also present are unrealistic fears, such as, lightning, animal noises, sudden changes in routine that precipitate resistance in activity. To name a few. Specific answering your question, takes some time for identification of the probable cause of the anxiety and the identification of ways that bring resolution to the childs anxiety issue. to be brief, some children benefit from medication therapy that lessens anxiety rates, while others benefit from use of therapy that desensitizes them to the source of the anxiety, and all benefit from parental reassurance, from maintenance of a routine regarding sleep, eating and school, and other helps that a therapist can present to you as options to decrease these anxiety Issues. Change is frequently an anxiety producer, especially in the home routine, so such things as a parental animosity, yelling, birth of a new baby, death of a loved one, death of a pet, and related events such as this may all trigger anxiety as a part of normal life. Reassurance is most helpful for all of those and maintenance of a routine certainly is desirable. Anxiety occurs more when there is environmental uncertainty, financial distress, food insecurity, war, frightening events, etc.

Yes it can be helped by therapy and if needed by medication. Contact us for an evaluation at 856-886-8839