a Child's Anxiety and Dizziness: A Parent's Concern

Q: a Child's Anxiety and Dizziness: A Parent's Concern

Hello Ms. <br>Lin： It is possible that the previous experience of dizziness has caused some anxiety and insecurity in the child, which may also affect the adults, leading to their own anxiety and tension. <br>If both the child and the family are in a state of anxiety and stress,

My fourth-grade son is experiencing dizziness and is afraid to be alone?

Hello Dr.
Sun, my son suddenly woke up screaming in the middle of the night on June 3rd, saying he felt very dizzy and that the house was spinning.
Up until now, the dizziness has changed from occurring several times a day to now only happening once every few days.
We took him to the ENT and neurology departments at National Taiwan University Hospital, and the doctors said it was a bacterial infection that would take about a month to resolve.
The dizziness has improved, but since June 3rd, he has been afraid to be alone.
He insists that his grandmother or father must bathe him; he refuses to let me wash him.
Previously, he would sleep alone in his room, but now he insists on sleeping with his grandmother.
When I offer to sleep with him in our room, he insists on sleeping in his grandmother's room.
When I ask him why, he sometimes says he feels dizzy in our room and other times says he is afraid to be in there.
He even needs someone to accompany him to the bathroom.
As soon as he gets home from school, he must stick close to his grandparents and cannot be away from them.
When I talk to him, he insists on facing away from me and cannot speak face-to-face.
He is also completely unwilling to go to the kitchen or other parts of the house alone; he needs someone to follow him.
However, at his after-school program and school, the teachers have not reported any such behaviors.
Occasionally, when his grandmother gets up at night to use the bathroom, he will suddenly wake up looking for her, but this only happens occasionally.
Recently, I have noticed he becomes easily enraged.
Although he had a bad temper before, it is not as intense as it is now.
If things do not go his way, he starts banging on the table, throwing things, and stomping his feet.
When I warn him, he does not listen and becomes even more agitated, almost as if he wants to hit me.
However, if his father intervenes, he calms down a bit.
He seems to lose control, but when he is not angry, he agrees with me when I try to reason with him.
I would like to ask the doctor what is going on with my son.
Thank you.

Miss Lin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/18

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello Ms.
Lin: It is possible that the previous experience of dizziness has caused some anxiety and insecurity in the child, which may also affect the adults, leading to their own anxiety and tension.
If both the child and the family are in a state of anxiety and stress, they may influence each other, making it difficult to alleviate anxiety and pressure.
It is advisable for the adults to calm down first, stabilize their own physical and mental well-being, and give the child some time to gradually recover.
It is important to accept that the child may still occasionally feel anxious or fearful, and we should provide reassurance, comfort, and companionship.
Approach the child with a warm and firm attitude, listen to and help with their discomfort and anxiety, while also being firm and uncompromising regarding unreasonable behavior.
Once there are clear and consistent rules at home, the child's emotional behavior will usually stabilize over time.
If there is no improvement, it is recommended to seek medical assistance.

Reply Date: 2016/09/18

More Info

It sounds like your son is experiencing a significant amount of anxiety and behavioral changes following a distressing incident. His symptoms, including dizziness, fear of being alone, and increased irritability, suggest that he may be dealing with anxiety that has manifested after the frightening experience he had on June 3rd.
When a child experiences a traumatic event, even if it seems minor to adults, it can lead to heightened anxiety and behavioral changes. In your son's case, the dizziness he experienced could have been a physical reaction to stress or anxiety, possibly exacerbated by a bacterial infection as diagnosed by the doctors. The fact that he is now reluctant to be alone, prefers to sleep with his grandmother, and requires someone to accompany him for various activities indicates a significant level of anxiety.

Children often express their fears and anxieties in ways that can be confusing for parents. Your son's insistence on having someone with him at all times, his fear of being alone, and his need for reassurance are common reactions in children who have experienced a traumatic or frightening event. The fact that he is showing signs of anger and frustration, such as throwing things or stomping his feet, may be a way for him to express feelings he cannot articulate.
Here are some strategies that may help you support your son during this challenging time:
1. Open Communication: Encourage your son to express his feelings. Let him know that it’s okay to feel scared or anxious and that you are there to listen. Sometimes, children need help finding the words to express what they are feeling.

2. Routine and Structure: Establishing a consistent daily routine can provide a sense of security for your son. Knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety.
3. Gradual Exposure: If he is afraid of being alone, consider gradually increasing the time he spends alone in a safe environment. Start with short periods and gradually increase the duration as he becomes more comfortable.

4. Relaxation Techniques: Teach him simple relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or visualization, to help him manage his anxiety when he feels overwhelmed.

5. Positive Reinforcement: Praise him for any small steps he takes towards independence, such as going to the bathroom alone or spending a few minutes in another room by himself.

6. Professional Support: If his anxiety continues or worsens, consider seeking help from a child psychologist or counselor who specializes in childhood anxiety. They can provide tailored strategies and support for both you and your son.

7. Model Calmness: Children often take cues from their parents. Try to model calm behavior and express confidence in his ability to handle situations.
8. Limit Exposure to Stressors: If there are specific situations or stimuli that seem to trigger his anxiety, try to limit his exposure to them while he is still adjusting.

9. Physical Activity: Encourage physical activity, which can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Activities like playing outside, riding a bike, or engaging in sports can be beneficial.

10. Family Support: Involve family members in supporting your son. Having a consistent support system can help him feel more secure.

It’s important to remember that recovery from anxiety takes time, and patience is key. Your son is still very young, and with your support and understanding, he can learn to cope with his fears and regain his confidence. If you notice any worsening of symptoms or if his behavior becomes more concerning, do not hesitate to reach out for professional help.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Dizziness in Children: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions

Hello doctor, I have a daughter who is in the fourth grade this year. Since first grade, she has been intermittently telling me that she feels dizzy, and last year, during her third grade, the frequency of her dizziness increased. She experiences dizziness while playing soccer, d...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, positional vertigo should be considered first. The symptoms are characterized by brief episodes of dizziness related to changes in head position, such as bending over, leaning back, lying down, getting up, turning over, or suddenly turning the he...

Understanding Your Child's Sudden Feelings of Anxiety and Distortion

Hello, doctor. Recently, my third-grade daughter often tells me that sometimes she suddenly feels like the people around her are speaking at a very fast pace, and it becomes very noisy. She feels restless, almost as if she is going crazy, but she knows that it is not real; it is ...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Eva: It is recommended to first listen to and soothe the child's emotions when she is feeling unwell, providing a safe environment. When she is stable, discuss whether there have been any significant stressors or worries recently, or if she has experienced any past tra...

Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Family Dynamics in Adolescents

Hello Doctor, I am currently in the first year of junior high school. Since last summer when school started, I have been experiencing excessive anxiety and social anxiety, often worrying about illnesses (like parasites), having a fear of heights, insects, and stairs, a sensation ...

Dr. Li Guanying reply Psychiatry
From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to both anxiety and family issues. 1. Facing an uncertain future, depression and anxiety are common disorders in modern society. These are chronic conditions that require long-term treatment for...

Understanding and Addressing Childhood Panic Disorders: A Parent's Guide

My child, born in June 1990, has been experiencing unexplained fears at home. She often expresses fear of her hands moving, her buttocks moving, her legs moving, etc. At bedtime, any slight noise, even the faintest sound, makes her too scared to sleep unless both parents are with...

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
1. When we encounter our children's fearful reactions, we often respond with a reprimanding tone: "You need to be braver! What is there to be afraid of?" However, children's emotions are very real, and their willingness to express feelings and talk about them ...