Paediatrics - childhood anxiety Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is Childhood Anxiety?
Childhood anxiety is related to factors such as food intake, activity, home environment, stresses, education, etc. It can present as irritability, anger, fatigue, headaches, digestive aches, etc.
What are some common causes and risk factors for Childhood Anxiety?
Common causes and risk factors include bullying, social media, friendship issues, poor teaching at school, blood sugar dysregulation, chronic stress, and disrupted sleep.
How does blood sugar dysregulation contribute to Childhood Anxiety?
Blood sugar dysregulation, caused by high refined sugars and poor sleep, is associated with hypoglycaemic effects, which impair cognition and contribute to anxiety.
What is the role of chronic stress in Childhood Anxiety?
Chronic stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels, causing periods of hypoglycaemia and altered neurotransmitter functioning, which can result in disrupted sleep.
What nutritional deficiencies are linked to Childhood Anxiety?
Nutritional deficiencies that contribute to Childhood Anxiety include EFAs, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D. B vitamins also play a role as neurotransmitter co-factors.
What impact does EFA deficiency have on Childhood Anxiety?
EFA deficiency is linked to neuroinflammation, lower dopamine levels, reduced neuroplasticity, and impaired myelination sheath functioning. Pre-teens and teens are especially vulnerable.
What is the effect of magnesium deficiency on Childhood Anxiety?
Magnesium deficiency can lead to HPA dysregulation and reduced monoamine levels, which are associated with increased anxiety.
How does zinc deficiency affect Childhood Anxiety?
Zinc deficiency increases cortisol levels, reduces neuroplasticity, and alters hippocampal synaptic transmission, contributing to anxiety.
How does vitamin D deficiency impact Childhood Anxiety?
Vitamin D deficiency can alter neurotrophic factors and monoamine levels, which play a role in anxiety development.
What is the role of B vitamins in Childhood Anxiety?
B vitamins act as neurotransmitter co-factors, helping to regulate mood and anxiety levels.
What natural dietary approach can help with Childhood Anxiety?
Focus on the CNM Naturopathic Diet by removing caffeine, sugar, and food additives that can drive anxiety. Emphasize nutrient-dense foods to support emotional wellbeing.
How can blood glucose levels and hydration help manage Childhood Anxiety?
Stabilizing blood glucose levels and ensuring proper hydration can help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
What can help support the gut-brain connection in childhood anxiety?
Probiotics can help support the gut-brain connection, which is important for managing childhood anxiety.
How should nutritional deficiencies be addressed for Childhood Anxiety?
Address nutritional deficiencies by providing appropriate supplementation or dietary changes, based on individual needs.
What herbal remedies are helpful for Childhood Anxiety?
Herbal nervines such as chamomile, lemon balm, lavender, passionflower, and ashwagandha influence GABA receptors and can help reduce anxiety. Use drop doses in water or herbal teas.
What is the dosage for herbal nervines in Childhood Anxiety?
The recommended dosage for herbal nervines is 1 cup of herbal tea, 3 times a day (adult dose). For drops, use as directed.
What is the role of Bach Flower Remedies in Childhood Anxiety?
Bach Flower Remedies can be used to treat specific forms of anxiety, with remedies like Mimulus for specific fears, Aspen for unknown anxiety, and Rock Rose for extreme panic.
What is the dosage for Bach Flower Remedies?
The recommended dosage for Bach Flower Remedies is 4 drops, 4 times a day.
What Bach Flower Remedy is used for shyness and specific anxiety?
Mimulus is used for shyness and anxiety about something specific.
What Bach Flower Remedy is used for general anxiety with no specific cause?
Aspen is used for anxiety where the cause is unknown.
What Bach Flower Remedy is used when the mind gets fixed on a particular thought?
White Chestnut is used when the mind becomes fixed on a particular thought that cannot be let go.
What Bach Flower Remedy is used for lack of confidence?
Larch is used for a lack of confidence and the belief that one will fail at everything.
What Bach Flower Remedy is used for extreme fear or panic?
Rock Rose is used for extreme fear or panic, when anxiety is overwhelming.
What activities can help reduce Childhood Anxiety?
Regular exercise, including cardio, calming stretching, and team sports, can help reduce anxiety and stress by increasing endorphin levels.
