Anxiety is often mistaken as shyness. When a child is shy, however, they don't tend to show many, if any, defiant behavior. After all, some kids tend to be more anxious or introverted than others. On the other hand, extreme anxiety and oppositional defiance disorder often go hand-in-hand.
What is Anxiety?
According to Healthline, "Anxiety is your body's natural response to stress". Moreover, it's based on the fear of the future, whether that be one second from now to days from now. Anxiety can be heightened when kids try new things for the first time or on the first day of school, for example. While some anxiety is ok, there are some children who struggle with extreme anxiety that lasts for days, weeks, months, or longer. In this case, the child may have an extreme anxiety disorder.
What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
The way a child exhibits oppositional defiant disorder varies from child to child and from gender to gender. The following are some of the more common symptoms:
- Easily loses temper
- Argues and fights
- Will not follow rules
- Blames others
- Will not compromise
- Seeks revenge, is spiteful
- Frequently frustrated
- Has difficulty concentrating
- Doesn't think before speaking
- Low self-esteem
- Has a hard time making friends.
How is Anxiety and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Related?
Being under constant stress and fear takes a toll on a child. By not understanding why they feel the way they do, they may be angry, frustrated, and lash out. Some of the signs to look out for to understand whether your child's behavior is linked to extreme anxiety, consider the following:
The Child Does Not Tolerate Criticism
This applies to constructive criticism, as well. When a child is criticized, and suffers from anxiety, they often choose a flight or fight response and will not accept the criticism, even if the intent is to help them.
The Child is Disruptive at School
Outbursts, tantrums, and other disruptive behavior at school could be a sign that the child is suffering from extreme anxiety. This anxiety leads to frustration, which then leads to inappropriate behavior. The child could be anxious about test taking, finding friends at lunch or on the playground, or find themselves overwhelmed with the school work they must complete.
The Child's Behavior is Unpredictable
Not being able to predict how a child will behave in a given situation can indicate a child is feeling nervous below the surface. Unpredictable behavior, like sudden outbursts, tantrums, and fights, that come out of nowhere are a red flag that there is something deep going on within the child. Anxiety may be the cause.
If your child struggles with defiant behavior as a result of anxiety, contact Brain Balance Achievement Centers. While our program is non-medical, in cases of mild to moderate anxiety related behavioral issues, it may help get them back on track so they can succeed at school and at home.
For over a decade, we’ve helped over 80,000 children improve the critical skills needed to create a brighter path for their future. Contact Us at Brain Balance of Allen to learn more about how the Brain Balance Program can help. You can also view the research and results of the program on the website.
