I was wondering if anyone has any experience with a child (or yourself) with a specific phobia/anxiety? My dd (Who is 14 today!!!)is a well-adjusted, popular kid involved in acting, show choir, etc. (obviously not shy or afraid of people!)but she is "afraid" of crowds. In movie theaters, school assemblies, sometimes even in church, anywhere there is a crowd of people, she gets anxiety symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, nausea, etc. She said that it has always been that way, but it is just getting worse. (I always wondered why she didn't like going to the movies, and had never been to a concert!) She sees the ped. next week for her annual well-visit, and we will discuss it with her, but I was just looking for feedback concerning what they can do, etc. (I'm assuming meds + some sort of therapy?) Any experience?

By Amyj on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 12:21 pm:

My son is very anxious about loud noises. He does not like going to the movies if the sound is loud. I have spent alot of time talking to him about it and slowing introducing him to experiences that have loud sounds, but ones that we can leave if it gets too bad. For example, he hates fireworks. Every 4th of July I end up in the house or car with him if we are too close. My only suggestion would be to provide her with experiences a little at a time. Try going to a place that has small numbers first and slowly work your way up. Help her learn to identify the early warnings and to talk about them. It helped my son to understand all the emotions that he was feeling, as well as the physical effects. We have been able to make alot of progress without meds or therapy. I think it depends on each child. Let us know what the doc says.

By Rayanne on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 12:25 pm:

No experience here. The fears that I have except for the normal fear of snakes, spiders, and stuff like that are that I am really scared of Haunted Houses. I will not go in them. My DH laughs at me and calls me a baby, but I don't care, I will literally cry if you make me go in one. I also am really scared of sharks so I will not go into the ocean unless I can see my feet. I will not allow my DD to go in either. We have a while for that though.

By Karen~moderator on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 12:42 pm:

Sounds like some type of social anxiety disorder. Definitely talk to her ped. about it. Sometimes, counseling alone will help that, if she can discover exactly why social situations make her feel that way. Don't overlook this though, these things tend to escalate with age if nothing is done about it, and the fact that she says it's always been that way but is getting worse is your cue to help her.

By Happynerdmom on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 01:04 pm:

It definitely is some sort of social anxiety disorder. We've talked about it, and she says she knows in her head that there is nothing to be afraid of, her body just sort of takes over with the symptoms. I've assured her that this is exactly what happens in a phobia. It really frustrates her, but I think she was relieved that I didn't think she was crazy! (We even looked it up..."demophobia" is "fear of crowds." She was almost excited that it had a name!)It's very interesting to me...she is the last person you would think would have something like this! I'm just very interested to know the process of treatment. Thanks for your input, and I'll let you know what the doc says next week.

By Lauram on Wednesday, June 9, 2004 - 10:26 am:

CBT (cognitive Behavioral therapy) is very well researched and tends to work for anxiety disorders. Sometimes meds are needed in addition if it is really severe. My son (7) has Generalized ANxiety Disorder but unfortunately is too young for CBT. I would start by taking her to a phychologist who is familiar with CBT and anxiety disorders. One thing I do know is it is an emotional reaction, not a logical one, to the fear.

By Happynerdmom on Thursday, June 10, 2004 - 09:22 am:

Well, her ped. referred us to a psychiatrist, so I talked with Children's Hospital this morning and she has an appointment with a therapist for an initial evaluation a week from Monday! I can't believe they got her in so fast. I tell you what, I don't take it for granted that I live in a city with a great Children's Hospital. In my extensive dealings with them, I've met parents who have had to come from all over the country to receive good care. Anyway, we'll see what the therapist says!