Introduction
Understanding Anxiety in children is a nuanced approach related to nurturing and nature. According to Edwards (2022), cases of anxiety disorders have increased, which has led to in-depth research into the issue. The Anxiety and depression association points out that 25% of young people grapple with cases of anxiety disorders, which has raised concerns over the issue (ADAA, 2023). Moving into the genetic realm, Woodgate et al. (2018) showcase a familiar case of predisposition toward cases of childhood anxiety as sown in the longitudinal case study. The concurrent events that have been developed through the recent case of covid19 pandemic, pressures within the society, and family dynamics tend to contribute to the development of Anxiety in children (Holcombe, 2023, para 3). The treatment approaches develop a multimodal perspective that highlights the intricate nature that helps address Anxiety among children. The multifaceted issue needs a diverse understanding, which highlights the roles of genetics as well as environment in shaping the instances of childhood anxiety, as well as advocacy for personalized interventions to reduce the impacts of the case.
One of the demanding challenges in this generation is Anxiety. This issue was widespread and rising even before the pandemic and other large causes. While current and recent events are exacerbating it, it is a problem we have. This issue affects the population of all ages, but we are seeing large numbers starting early, especially in adolescence. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that 25% of young people have an anxiety disorder. The problem is not for a select few is on the rise. Anxiety affects how you perform in school, in social settings, and Everyday activities in a person’s life, and therefore, is a large social work problem that needs to be addressed. We need to tackle this problem which leads to many other issues, for instance, being productive, success, and happiness in life.
I am interested in studying more about Anxiety due to several reasons. Firstly, we all experience stress at times, and I would be interested in understating its cause and workable solutions on a personal level. One of the challenges I had to seek help with was dealing with a couple of children of mine who experienced Anxiety to the point that it affected their day-to-day activities. My son, around the age of ten, started having panic attacks attending school.
It started after his bus driver died of cancer; all the kids loved him. In the past, there were times he was anxious, but nothing that stood out. It was out of my depth in how to handle it and help, at first, I reached out to the school but soon saw I needed better resources. Finding a helpful, trained therapist was costly, and I had to spend most of my time getting my son back on track to his happy going-to-school self.
Nature Factors
Genetic Predisposition
Childhood anxiety has, over time, been associated with the genetic component of the affected children. There has been evidence showing that genetic markers have a susceptible association with cases of childhood anxiety and disorders among children. Through extensive research, there have been different interventions that have been used to deal with the issue of biological relations with Anxiety. In most cases, parents who have had problems with Anxiety tend to transfer the same traits to their children. Mitigating such matters tends to be a hard ordeal due to the uncontrolled characteristics experienced in the parental genes.
Neurobiological Aspects
The neurobiological aspects of cases of childhood anxiety have also been deeply explored within the context of stress. According to the British Journal of Psychiatry, the neurobiological well-being of an individual defines the overall well-being and behavior. The intricate relationship between genetic predisposition and neurobiological factors explains how the elements contribute to Anxiety (Bhatia & Goyal., 2018, p. 34). Understanding the child’s situation requires an in-depth knowledge of the specific linage neurobiological issues.
Nurture Factors
Environmental Influences
Environmental issues have an important role in shaping the mental health of a child. Edwards (2022) stipulates that there are diverse influences that an environment, including family dynamics, school environment, and societal pressure, can have in terms of Anxiety in children. Through the examination of the different environmental stressors, one can be able to develop supportive environments to deal with the risks associated with anxiety disorders. The immediate surroundings shape the way a child behaves and thus have an important role in dealing with the issues of Anxiety.
Parenting Styles
The role of the parenting lifestyle in the influence of childhood anxiety is a crucial factor when dealing with the nature vs nurture conversation. According to Vallance (2016), different lifestyles can contribute to understanding a child’s parenting relationships and mental health, which is crucial for the necessary interventions. They help the address the genetic predisposing and environmental issues (Bhatia & Goyal., 2018, p. 34). How children interact with their parents tends to identify how children deal with Anxiety. There is a need for a profound relationship with the child to care for their needs adequately. This also helps in the mitigation and reduction of the cases of children having anxiety issues.
Interaction between Nature and Nurture
Gene-Environment Interaction
The interaction between the genetic predisposition and the environmental influences is not a unidirectional relationship. It is a dynamic perspective that incorporates different elements to develop a predefined position and a reciprocal one that involves multidimensional aspects. Woodgate et al. (2023) emphasize the intricate relationship between the genetic factors as well as the environmental stimuli, which helps in the development of childhood anxiety. The recognition of these interactions provides a basis for a basic foundation of the targeted interventions associated with anxiety disorder. Genes, therefore, have a crucial role in defining potential cases of Anxiety among children and the mitigation issues.
Treatment Approaches
Integrative Approaches
Through the multifaceted nature of the cases of childhood anxiety, the integrative approach toward treatment is crucial. Through the combination of therapeutic interventions that help address genetic and environmental factors, clinicians can help develop comprehensive and personalized treatment plans. The strategy allows for understanding the child’s unique needs and acknowledging the relationship between nature and nurture (Bhatia & Goyal., 2018, p. 34). There is a need to first identify the needs of the child with cases of Anxiety and the overall relationship with treatment plans. This is because different children have different requirements regarding mitigation and treatment plans.
Medication vs. Therapy
The making of choice between medication therapies in the treatment of childhood anxiety is a broad decision that requires careful consideration. Although medication can help in addressing the biological aspects, therapy helps in the provision of a platform that explores and copes with different environmental stressors. A balanced approach considering both factors is important for ensuring comprehensive treatment recognizes the child’s journey. This approach helps define the overall developmental goals and how to mitigate any side effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the understanding of childhood anxiety requires a comprehensive examination of both genetic predisposition and environmental influences. The interactions between the notions of nature vs nurture highlight the importance of the multifaceted approaches towards assessment, treatment, and prevention. When delving deep into the complexities, the paths that help in the interventions are realized. These paths offer insight and hope for improved outcomes among children who have issues with anxiety disorder. Awareness of children and parents dealing with a present problem, understanding they are not alone, and access to guidance is crucial. Anxiety disorder is not something many can cure or even deal with on their own. They need professional help.
Additionally, there is a need for increased resources for those suffering silently. We need to create an environment where those uncomfortable can share and address their challenges. Studying social work and psychology, we see the importance of awareness. The first step to change is being able to recognize and induce change. Many people suffer, but they are not aware of why. Some people go to the doctor with pain or breathing difficulties, not knowing that this stems from an emotional issue that has a physical response in their body. Understanding the reasons for the physical problems causes additional stress.
References
Bhatia, M., & Goyal, A. (2018). Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: Need for early detection. Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, 64(2), 75. https://doi.org/10.4103/jpgm.jpgm_65_18
Edwards, E. (2022, February 24). Anxiety depression rampant among children even before the pandemic. NBC News. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/anxiety-depression-rampant-children-even-pandemic-rcna17545
Holcombe, M. (2023, June 7). More kids are anxious but fewer get the right help, study shows. CNN. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from https://edition.cnn.com/2023/06/07/health/anxiety-kids-medication-therapy-wellness/index.html
Vallance, A. K., & Fernandez, V. (2016). Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: Aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. BJPsych Advances, 22(5), 335-344. https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.bp.114.014183
Woodgate, R. L., Gonzalez, M., & Tennent, P. (2023). Accessing mental health services for a child living with Anxiety: Parents’ lived experience and recommendations. PLOS ONE, 18(4), e0283518. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283518
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