Some experts suggest that childhood neuroses, which are mild, go away on their own, they do not need to be treated. However, in the case when the neurotic disorder is very pronounced, when the symptoms complicate the life of both the child himself and his parents, the immediate environment, it is necessary to correct the condition.
There are different types of childhood neuroses. They are accompanied by both general signs and have specific symptoms characteristic of a particular species. If the child's condition causes concern, if the symptoms are very strong and harmful to health, worsens the quality of life of the child, you should seek the advice of a specialist.
Childhood neuroses are treated quite successfully. In some cases, it will be sufficient to conduct only a few sessions of personal or group psychotherapy. In other situations, when the neurosis is too strong and pronounced, additional drug treatment may be required. Only a doctor should select and prescribe drugs, this should always be remembered. In addition, the successful disposal of neurosis in childhood will largely depend on the situation in the family, on the upbringing and the atmosphere in which the child lives and grows. Therefore, parents should know what conditions need to be created in order to quickly save the child from a neurotic state.
Professional help
The choice of the option of psychotherapy depends on the type of neurosis, on the general condition of the child, on the problems that are present in the life of the little patient, and, of course, on the root cause due to which the neurotic state developed.
The following types of therapy have proven themselves well in the treatment of childhood neuroses:
- animal therapy - is based on the interaction of a child with animals (dogs, horses, dolphins, cats, and so on); such an approach very well relieves stress, teaches the child to contact correctly with the outside world and has a positive effect on the state of the child's psyche;
- art therapy - may include drawing, modeling, knitting, origami and other options for creativity; helps to track changes in the child's condition, is great for getting rid of internal stress, for working with childhood fears;
- game therapy - the impact on the child occurs through the game; special situations are modeled, when playing them, the child learns to control his emotions and his behavior, finds a way out of difficult situations, gets rid of the accumulated stress inside, and so on;
- autogenous training - over time, it effectively relieves many symptoms of childhood neuroses, helps to "release" tension;
- work with attitudes - can be carried out both in a state of wakefulness and under the influence of hypnosis (with severe neurotic disorders); based on the formation of positive attitudes in the mind of a little patient.
In addition, family psychotherapy, when work is carried out not only with the child himself, but also with the parents, can give favorable and quick results in the treatment of childhood neuroses.
It is also worth noting that, for example, art therapy can be done with children with neuroses and at home. Creativity in general has a very positive effect on the personality of the child, helps to develop emotional intelligence.
Tips for parents
Despite the fact that a number of neurotic conditions, according to experts, go away on their own with age, even in this case, parents should not “score” on their child's condition. It is important to create the appropriate conditions that would have a positive effect on children's well-being and help to quickly get rid of the neurotic state.
What can parents do at home to help their child cope with neurosis?
- Adjust your behavior and approach to education. Neuroses at any age aggravate and turn into a severe form if a person is constantly in a stressful, tense environment, is forced to do what he does not want to do at all, and so on. Therefore, it is important for parents to create a favorable, comfortable and warm atmosphere at home, which would soothe the child and cheer him up. It is also worth abandoning toxic forms of education that do not benefit the child's psyche. You can never scold a child or punish him for any actions and actions that are symptoms of a neurotic disorder. So, for example, if a child has wet himself at night, there is no need to shout at him and put him in a corner, leave him without sweets or punish him physically. This will only aggravate the condition.
- Do not allow the child to sink into a state of neurosis. Parents should not focus too much on the signs of childhood neurosis. You do not need to constantly talk with your child about his fears and anxieties if they dominate as a symptom. Of course, it is necessary to find out what the child feels, what he thinks about. However, there is no need to create grounds for children's fantasies that could aggravate the condition.
- You should not forbid the child to express emotions and feelings. Suppression in this case will only lead to an increase in neurosis. At the same time, it is important to teach the child how to properly release emotions so that his behavior is not inappropriate.
- It is important to try to exclude severe stress and various situations from the child's life that could lead to additional psychotrauma. If it is known for certain what exactly triggered the development of neurosis in childhood, then we must try to eliminate this root cause. You should not try to put into practice "shock therapy", confronting the child with his fears in a situation of anxiety and fear neurosis. This can have an extremely negative effect on the condition of the child.
- Parents should adjust their child's daily routine. A neurotic disorder can be aggravated if the child does not get enough sleep, is too busy, does not have the opportunity to normally rest and go about his business. It is important to provide the child with personal space, to give him at least a little free time.
Experts also recommend giving the child vitamins in the treatment of childhood neuroses, balancing his diet, walking and moving more. If possible, then a small patient should be enrolled in the pool or in any sports section. Adequate physical activity will not only have a positive effect on health in general, but will also help get rid of tension and stress.
