School Phobia

The names "school phobia," "school avoidance," and "school refusal" refer to an anxiety condition in children who have a persistent, illogical fear of attending school. They behave differently from children who skip school and show no remorse for doing so. Contrary to truants, children who avoid school desire to remain in close contact with their parent or caregiver. Children who are afraid of going to school are frequently insecure, sensitive, and unable to control their emotions. The idea of going to school makes them appear anxious, and they might even feel physically ill.

Between the ages of 18 and 24 months, typical separation anxiety usually starts. When they are separated from their parent, kids this age may cling, weep, or throw temper tantrums. Some older kids do, however, still struggle with being away from home. These children's parents are frequently caring and loving yet occasionally too overprotective. Some students as a result lack self-confidence and the capacity to handle school life. Children without siblings, the youngest child, and those with chronic illnesses exhibit a higher risk of developing a school phobia.

Causes

Home Issues: A child may…

• Having a family transition such as a move, illness, separation, divorce, death, depression, or financial difficulties.
• Have missed school because of a protracted illness.
• Enjoy a parent's full focus when they are not in school.
• Be permitted to skip class and play with toys, watch TV, or play video games.
• Being raised by an overly protective parent who encourages the belief that being apart from them could be detrimental.
• Be on guard for a potential disaster at home.
• Fear that while the child is at school, an adult at home might harm a family member.

School Issues: A child may…

• Be afraid of being criticized, made fun of, confronted, or punished by a teacher or other school staff.
• have issues learning, such as being terrified to read aloud, take tests, get bad grades, be asked questions, or perform on stage.
• Be terrified about getting poor test results.
• Be considerate when participating in a school activity in front of your peers, such as singing a certain song, playing a particular game, attending a school assembly, eating in the lunchroom, or changing clothes for physical education.
• Be the target of peer harassment in school, while commuting to or from school, or on the bus. (See the Educator's Guide to Bullying.)
• Obtain threats of bodily harm.
• Having trouble settling in at a new school

Symptoms

• Recurring stomachaches and other physical problems like headaches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that are not caused by a physical illness.
• When forced to split from a parent or caregiver, clinginess, temper tantrums, and/or terror may occur.
• Aversion to the dark or being alone in a room.
• Having difficulty falling asleep and/or having nightmares.
• Excessive dread of monsters, animals, schools, etc.
• Persistent worries for one's own or others' safety.

Treatment

• The following are some examples of the medications your child may require.
• Anti-anxiety Medication: Your child may be given this medication to help them feel less anxious. You can give it orally, intravenously, or as a shot.
• Antidepressants are prescribed to treat or prevent the symptoms of depression. Your youngster might require anti-depressant medication as depression is common in children with school fear. It is taken orally.
• Anti-convulsant: This drug is typically administered to prevent seizures. However, it can also be used to decrease aggressive or irritable behavior. Your child's mood swings may also be under control with this medication. It is administered orally, intravenously, or as a shot.
• Antipsychotics: This medication is typically prescribed to treat severe (very terrible) agitation or psychotic symptoms. Anti-psychotic medications are administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly (rear-end).
• Anti- Parkinson's: This medication is used to manage twitches, stiffness, and restlessness in the muscles brought on by anti-psychotic medication. It is administered orally or occasionally as an injection.
• Mood stabilizer: Your youngster might exhibit extreme emotional swings from one moment to the next. These mood fluctuations are managed with the help of this medication. It is taken orally.
• Using a psychostimulant will improve your child's ability to focus and pay attention. Additionally, it can increase his energy. It is taken orally.
• Hypnotics and sedatives: This medication may be administered to make your youngster feel more at ease. It is frequently used to aid with your child's nighttime sleep. It is taken orally. Additionally, it can be administered through IV, injection, or anus (rear end).
• Care Environments
• Program for Intensive Outpatient Care: Your child will visit the hospital or clinic during this time for a one to three-hour therapy. This program typically runs for a brief period of time, 2 to 5 times per week.
• When your child participates in an outpatient program, they see a therapist once per week or fewer. Appointments last no more than an hour. He might have a private session with the therapist. Or, he might attend a group session with his therapist. Over time, he might have a few or many appointments.
• Play therapy: With the caregiver's assistance, your child uses play to express his fears and anxieties.
• Another way to divert your child's attention from his emotions is through relaxation. For instance, pleasant scents may alter your child's disposition and promote relaxation.