What causes school phobia?

At school, children may have scolionophobia after experiencing: Bullying, teasing or threats of physical harm from other children. Fear of criticism, punishment or ridicule from a teacher or other school staff.
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How do you treat school phobia?

Cognitive behavioral treatment is the most effective approach. This involves teaching a child and parent specific skills that can help the child learn to cope with the thoughts, emotions and behaviors associated with their school refusal.
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What puts you at risk for school phobia?

School phobia is often associated with other anxiety disorders such as agoraphobia or other mental health disorders such as depression. Some experts theorize that another possible cause of school refusal is traumatic and prolonged separation from the primary caregiver in early childhood.
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Is school refusal a mental illness?

School refusal is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis. However, children with school refusal may suffer from significant emotional distress, especially anxiety and depression. Children with school refusal usually present with anxiety symptoms, and adolescents have symptoms associated with anxiety and mood disorders.
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Can I keep my child off school because of anxiety?

Provide evidence so that your child's absence is authorised.

For example, say 'my child cannot come to school because they are too anxious', rather than saying they are unwell or don't want to. Get a note from the GP, CAMHS or another mental health professional as early as you can.
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School Phobia in Children – Reasons, Signs and Treatment



How do you help a child with school phobia?

Talk with your child about the reasons why he or she does not want to go to school. Consider all the possibilities and state them. Be sympathetic, supportive, and understanding of why he or she is upset. Try to resolve any stressful situations the two of you identify as causing his worries or symptoms.
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Should I force my anxious child to attend school?

Be empathetic but firm that your child or teen must attend school. Tell her you are confident she can face her fears. Let your child know that while physical symptoms of anxiety, such as stomachaches, headaches, and fatigue, are certainly unpleasant, they are not dangerous.
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What are 3 causes of phobias?

Examples of causes of phobias
  • Past incidents or traumas. Certain situations might have a lasting effect on how you feel about them. ...
  • Learned responses from early life. ...
  • Reactions and responses to panic or fear. ...
  • Experiencing long-term stress. ...
  • Genetic factors.
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How do I know if I have school phobia?

School phobia can be seen as an excessive fear, an irrational anxiety in the face of various events such as being less gifted than a classmate, being criticised or mocked during oral presentations, being humiliated, taking exams etc., or sometimes even for no apparent reason.
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Can school phobia be cured?

Children with minor symptoms can work with a teacher or caregiver to decrease school-related anxiety. If symptoms are more extreme, therapy or medication can help these children.
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How long does it take for school phobia to go away?

Young children going to school for the first time.

This is a normal type of school refusal. This develops with a child's normal separation anxiety, or uneasiness about leaving a parent figure. This type of fear often goes away a few days after the child starts school.
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Is it normal for kids to not want to go to school?

Most kids don't want to go to school once in a while. But kids with what experts call “school refusal” have a lot of very extreme anxiety about going to school. Your child may have school refusal if they often try very hard to avoid school and get extremely upset about going.
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What drugs are given for school phobia?

Separation Anxiety and School Refusal Medication: Tricyclic Antidepressants, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Anxiolytic Agents, Antihistamines, Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents, Anticonvulsants, Alpha-Adrenergic Agents.
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What can I do if my 14 year old refuses to go to school?

If your teenager is repeatedly refusing to go to school, communicate with teachers or school counselors so they know why your child is struggling to get to class and can provide extra support. For example, school staff may wish to discuss setting up a 504 plan.
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What type of anxiety is school anxiety?

Social anxiety: anxiety that accompanies social interactions and settings, to include those that may take place at school. Generalized anxiety: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can impact and encompass many facets of life, including school.
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Do phobias get worse with age?

As we age, we produce much less adrenaline, which can cause racing hearts and dizziness. This means the intense fears we may have experienced in youth no longer trouble us as much. However, older people often experience a greater sense of vulnerability, so things like heights or big crowds become more of an issue.
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Do phobias ever go away?

Almost all phobias can be successfully treated and cured. Treating simple phobias involves gradually becoming exposed to the animal, object, place or situation that causes fear. This is known as desensitisation or self-exposure therapy.
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Are phobias born or made?

Research suggests that phobias can run in families, and that both genetic and environmental factors (nature and nurture) can contribute to developing a phobia.
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How do you calm a child who doesn't want to go to school?

If your child refuses to go to school, or you're supporting another parent or child in this situation, here's how you can respond:
  1. Ask for help. ...
  2. Consider possible triggers. ...
  3. Take a kind but firm approach. ...
  4. Give clear and consistent messages. ...
  5. Set clear routines on days off school. ...
  6. Engage the system.
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Should you yell at a child with anxiety?

A 2014 study in The Journal of Child Development demonstrated that yelling produces results similar to physical punishment in children: increased levels of anxiety, stress and depression along with an increase in behavioral problems.
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What happens if my child is too anxious to go to school?

Talk to a teacher or the mental health lead at school and work with them around the issue. It's important to maintain a good relationship with them during this time. They can help agree on things the school can do such as arranging flexible start times to avoid the morning rush.
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What is phobia of school called?

didaskaleinophobia (uncountable) The fear of going to school.
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What doctor treats phobias?

You may start by talking to your primary care doctor. Depending on your situation, your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation and treatment.
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How can I help my child overcome a phobia?

How to help
  1. Help your child talk about what's frightening him. Kids may know what they're scared of, but they don't always have the words to explain. ...
  2. Validate, then move on. Once you know what the fear is, let your child know you're taking it, and him, seriously. ...
  3. Make a plan. ...
  4. Offer encouragement, and be patient.
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What do they put kids on for anxiety?

There are several types of medication that are commonly prescribed for kids with anxiety:
  • Anti-depressants called SSRIs (such as Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil)
  • Anti-depressants called SNRIs (such as Effexor XR or Cymbalta)
  • Anti-anxiety medications called benzodiazepines (Ativan or Klonopin)
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