Anxiety in children is a normal part of life, just like it is in adulthood. When a child is frightened, for example by a scary movie, they may have trouble getting to sleep. However, when anxiety cannot be comforted and is out of proportion with the given situation that can be a sign of an anxiety disorder in children.

Childhood anxiety occurs in about one-in-four children at sometime between the ages of 13 and 18. However, the lifetime prevalence of a severe anxiety disorder in children 13-18 is about 6%.¹ Left untreated, anxiety in children can cause problems in school, at home and with peers as well as continue into adulthood.

Here are detailed articles on the different types of childhood anxiety.

• School Anxiety in Children: Signs, Causes, Treatments
• Test Anxiety in Children
• The Shy Child: Overcoming Shyness in Children
• Social Anxiety in Children: Helping Children with Social Phobia

While the causes of anxiety in children are not fully understood, some studies have shown that the brain of a child with anxiety behaves differently than that of an average child.

With treatment, kids with anxiety can learn to live full and happy childhoods. Unfortunately, only 18% of teens with anxiety get treatment.²

Anxiety Disorders in Children

Children can have any anxiety disorder an adult can have although some are more common than others. Childhood anxiety symptoms commonly appear around the age of six. Anxiety disorders that tend to start under the age of 20 include:

• Separation anxiety disorder – only occurs in those under 18; involves unreasonable anxiety over separation from a person to whom the child is attached.
• Simple phobia – average onset at 8 years old
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder – thought to be present in 2%-3% of children

Children's anxiety can also take the form of generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder although on average, these tend to develop after the age of 20.

Children with anxiety commonly have more than one mental illness. For example, depression and anxiety disorders often occur together. And 70% of children with specific phobias have another form of anxiety disorder as well.³

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Children

When a child has an anxiety disorder, it often affects all aspects of their life. Symptoms of anxiety in children can be seen in the way a child acts at home, school and in their social life.

Signs of anxiety in children are specific to the type of anxiety disorder; however, general symptoms of anxiety in children include:⁴

• Excessive anxiety and worry
• Inability to control fear or worry
• Fatigue
• Poor concentration
• Irritability
• Sleep disruption
• Restlessness
• Muscle tension

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What is sex therapy and what sort of problems do therapists deal with? Find out what sort of people go to sex therapy and how does it work.

Sex therapy

If you're having problems in your sex life you may want to consider getting professional help. Psychosexual therapist Paula Hall explains how to decide whether sex therapy is for you.

What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy offers help for people with sexual problems. It's usually referred to as psychosexual therapy or PST for short.

It's been around for over 40 years now, so it's not a newfangled trend. It has proven success rates and is a service which is regularly referred to by counselors, GPs and other medical professionals.

Sex therapists are trained counselors or medical professionals who've undertaken additional training in the physical and psychological issues associated with sexual functioning.

What sort of problems do therapists deal with?

The problems fit into three basic categories: can't get it up, can't get it in, can't be bothered. In fact, therapists tackle pretty much any sexual problem that isn't sorting itself out! It may be a problem you've had for ages or it might be something that's developed after a previously good sex life. You may know exactly what has caused your particular problem - or like many, you may be mystified.

Some sexual problems are purely physical. They could result from disability, illness or a side-effect of medication. Some are purely psychological, originating in negative childhood messages or sexual trauma. Or perhaps the problem stems from relationship difficulties. The majority of problems have a combination of physical and psychological elements.

Typical problems resolved

• Erection problems
• Ejaculating too quickly
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• Painful intercourse
• Problems with penetration
• Can't get sexually excited
• Gone off it altogether
• Sexual addiction

What sort of people go?

There's no one type of person who sees a sex therapist. You may be gay, straight or bisexual. I've seen people in their teens and in their 70s. I've seen unemployed barristers, Muslim virgins and Anglican priests. If you have a partner who won't go for therapy, you may still find, as may have, that a few sessions on your own can be really helpful.

It seems to be harder for some people than others to ask for help about sexual problems. It's a very personal subject and most of us have been brought up with the myth that sex should always come naturally.

But, in reality, sexual problems affect pretty much everyone at some stage in their life. For some, the problem resolves itself over time, but for others, it's very valuable to call in the experts.

How do I find a therapist?

There are a number of places you can go to for psychosexual therapy, but it varies around the country so check your local area. It largely depends on how much you can afford to pay.

Where ever you go, make sure your therapist is fully qualified. And if you're not happy that they understand your problem, find someone else. Remember that sex is meant to be fun. If your sex life isn't fun anymore, think about going for some help.

How does it work?

First, your therapist will discuss the problem with you and help you identify if the cause is physical, psychological or a combination of the two. If you're in a relationship, you'll also explore if there are any unresolved tensions or anxieties that are significant.

You may decide that relationship counseling would be useful to resolve some particular issues. If that's the case, you may do that with your therapist or you may see someone else and then return to your therapist to sort out the sexual problem.

Your therapist will put together a personalized plan of exercises for you (and your partner if you've got one) to do at home. These exercises will help you grow in self-awareness, sexual knowledge, and sexual skills. At the same time, they will help to persuade your body to respond to sensual and sexual stimulation and overcome your specific problem.

Good communication is crucial to Healthy Sex. You can greatly increase feelings of mutual respect, emotional closeness, and sexual pleasure when you and your partner know how to communicate well with each other. Knowing how to talk openly and comfortably can help you solve sexual problems that come up from time to time in the normal course of an on-going intimate relationship.

Be patient with yourself and your partner as you work to develop new communication skills. It takes time and a lot of practice to open up emotionally and discuss personal topics in safe and sensitive ways.

Below you will find Communication Guidelines for effective partner communication.

1. Both partners need to make a commitment to engage in a discussion about intimate concerns.

2. Choose a quiet time for discussion when you are not likely to be interrupted. Give your undivided attention to being with your partner.

3. Sit reasonably close to each other and maintain eye contact. Be aware of the tone and volume of your voice.

4. Avoid blaming, name-calling, accusations and sarcasm.

5. Deal with only one issue at a time.

6. State specifically and clearly what you feel and need. Use "I statements", rather than "you statements." (Example: Say "I felt rejected when you didn't want to hug last night" rather than "You're so cold; the way you treat me is cruel.")

7. Maintain an optimistic perspective that change is possible. Avoid bringing up resentments from the distant past. Refrain from using the words "always" or "never".

8. Listen to your partner. Strive to understand each other's feelings and needs. Communicate that understanding to your partner. (You can communicate understanding and still have a different opinion or perspective than your partner).

9. When discussing sexual intimacy concerns, keep in mind that partners are apt to feel scared, embarrassed, or hurt. Emphasize what you like and what works well before making a new request or sharing displeasure.

10. Avoid getting sidetracked on irrelevant issues; "It happened in 1993." "No, it was 1994." Refrain from "I'm right, you're wrong" arguments.

11. Explore and discuss various options for change. Work together to brainstorm how individual needs can be met and feelings addressed more effectively. Make the issue the "problem", not each other.

12. See intimate problems as a normal, natural part of a relationship. Turn them into opportunities to learn and grow as a couple.

13. If you and your partner agree to a solution to the problem, try it out, then plan to discuss in the near future how the solution is working for both of you.

14. Give yourselves permission to table discussion of an issue if you feel no progress is being made. You each may get new insights and understandings thinking about it independently. Make sure you resume discussion within several days.

Alternatives to Vulnerability

• Being an active partner in a relationship. When arranging to be with someone, where to meet, what to do, and when to be intimate should all be shared decisions.
• Know your sexual intentions and limits. You have the right to say "No" to any unwanted sexual contact. If you are uncertain about what you want, ask the man to respect your feelings.
• Communicate your limits firmly and directly. If you say "No", say it like you mean it. Don't give mixed messages. Back up your words with a firm tone of voice and clear body language.
• Don't rely on "ESP" to get your message across. Don't assume that your date will automatically know how you feel, or will eventually "get the message" without your having to tell him.
• Remember that some men think that drinking heavily, dressing provocatively, or going to a man's room indicates a willingness to have sex. Be especially careful to communicate your limits and intentions clearly in such situations.
• Listen to you gut feelings. If you feel uncomfortable or think you may be at risk, leave the situation immediately and go to a safe place.
• Don't be afraid to "make waves" if you feel threatened. If you feel you are being pressured or coerced into sexual activity against your will, don't hesitate to state your feelings and get out of the situation. Better a few minutes of social awkwardness or embarrassment than the trauma of sexual assault.
• Attend large parties with friends you can trust. Agree to "look out" for one another. Try to leave with a group, rather than alone or with someone you don't know very well.

When we think about alternatives to vulnerability, we must be careful not to assume that there is always something a woman "could have done" to prevent an assault. This is blaming the victim. When a person is sexually assaulted, it is the assaulter who is to blame. In addition, sexual assaults, including those committed by acquaintances, may be violent and unexpected. This means that even when a woman is able to assert what she wants, there is no guarantee that her feelings will be respected.

There are no formulas that can guarantee our safety from sexual assault. In a situation that is becoming coercive or violent, the moment is often too confusing to plan an escape, and women react in various ways. Some will fight back. Others will not fight back for any number of reasons such as fear, self-blame, or not wanting to hurt someone who may be a close friend. While fighting and giving up are both extreme reactions, it is important to realize that any reaction is legitimate. Again, the burden of responsibility must be on the attacker, not the victim.

Learning how to distinguish healthy sex from other forms of sex can empower you to bring Healthy Sex more into your own life.

The chart below outlines how healthy sexuality differs from abusive sex and addictive sex.

Healthy Sex requires that these five basic conditions be met:

Consent, Equality, Respect, Trust, and Safety

Let's look at each of these conditions more closely:

CONSENT means you can freely and comfortably choose whether or not to engage in sexual activity. You are able to stop the activity at any time during the sexual contact.

EQUALITY means your sense of personal power is on an equal level with your partner. Neither of you dominates the other.

RESPECT means you have positive regard for yourself and for your partner. You feel respected by your partner.

TRUST means you trust your partner on both a physical and emotional level. You have mutual acceptance of vulnerability and an ability to respond to it with sensitivity.

SAFETY means you feel secure and safe within the sexual setting. You are comfortable with and assertive about where, when and how the sexual activity takes place. You feel safe from the possibility of harm, such as unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infection, and physical injury.

It takes spending time together and engaging in lots of honest, open communication to make sure that the CERTS conditions are operating in your relationship. That's why it is important to build a strong friendship with a partner first, before becoming lovers.

Meeting the CERTS conditions does not ensure that you'll experience terrific sex, but it can help you feel more secure knowing you've minimized the possibility of something bad resulting from the sexual experience.

About the author: Wendy Maltz LCSW, DST is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and sex therapist. Her books include The Porn Trap, The Sexual Healing Journey, Private Thoughts, Passionate Hearts, Intimate Kisses, and Incest and Sexuality.

Blindfolds and food have always had their places in sexual games, and they're a great way to bring fun and eroticism into the bedroom. Blind tastings build intimacy between you and your partner, according to psychosexual therapist Paula Hall.

Preparation

• Before you begin, switch off the phone, lock the front door and make sure you won't be disturbed.
• Find a big throw or sheet to cover the bed - things may get messy!
• Get a blindfold or silky scarf long enough to tie around each other's eyes.

Go shopping

You can have whichever foods you like, but the wider the range the better. Think about the texture and smell of the foods, as well as the taste.

Here are some suggestions:

• exotic fruits
• yogurts
• cheeses
• anything from the deli counter
• a range of crisps
• different types of bread
• sugary, syrupy, chocolate desserts

And don't forget to have some drinks to wash it all down - a choice of fruit waters, perhaps, or alcohol if you prefer.

Take it in turns

Blindfold your partner and gently caress the chosen food across their lips. Can they guess what it is by the texture? Can they describe how it feels and smells?

Slowly and tantalizingly, let them have a very small taste. Can they guess what it is now? If not, they may need a bigger bite.

Work your way through the foods, taking turns wearing the blindfold. Don't take it too seriously. Have a laugh, but don't be tempted to be cruel. Keep the chilies out of it!

Once you've finished, think about the following:

• How did it feel to be so dependent on your partner?
• How did it feel to be in control?
• Did you have any feelings you weren't expecting?

Related Information:

• How to make an aphrodisiac meal
• Sensual Touching

Touching is an important part of any sensual relationship but is all too often forgotten. Psychosexual therapist Paula Hall describes sensate focus, a series of exercises designed to help couples become more comfortable with touch and build trust and intimacy.

Preparation

• This exercise takes about an hour, so make sure you put aside enough time.
• Start by preparing your space.
• You'll be naked, so put the heating on at least an hour before so you'll be warm enough.
• Make sure you won't be disturbed. Unplug the phone and lock your door.

Ground rules

Before you start, it's important that you both agree this isn't a prelude to sex and genital touching is out of bounds. You may find you become aroused during the exercise, but this isn't the aim.

Take it in turns to be the touched and the toucher.

The touched You just need to lend your partner your body for 30 minutes: 15 minutes lying on your front, then 15 on your back.

You don't need to say anything unless something's uncomfortable.

The toucher

Explore your partner's body from head to toe, first the back then the front. Avoid the genital area.

Focus totally on your sensations of touch. Think about the different textures and temperatures of your partner's body.

Think about how it feels to use hard and soft, long and short strokes. Use your fingertips, palms and the back of your hands.

Remember - this isn't a massage. The point is to focus on the pleasure of touching your partner, not giving pleasure. You can do that another day.

When you've finished swap over.

After the hour's up, don't analyze it straight away. In fact, agree that you won't talk about it for 24 hours. This will help you focus on the sensory experience, rather than rationalizing the process.

Related Information:

• Sensual touching
• Erotic bath

Single people aren't having good sex like committed couples, including those married. At least that's what a recent sex survey poll found.

People in relationships, according to a "Primetime Live" survey, are more sexually satisfied than those who are single. The study found that 97 percent of Americans in married or committed relationships are satisfied with their sex life. It also found that 75 percent of those surveyed found marriage more enjoyable than dating.

Could this be true? A few experts polled agreed, and here are some of the reasons why.

Rev. Dr. Sheron Patterson, senior pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Dallas, says that trust and commitment are foundational for good sex. Women, she observes, crave security and commitment in sexual relationships. That's often found in "committed" relationships.

'The primary mistake single people make is having sex seeking commitment and trust," explains Patterson. "They are actually auditioning to get the person. When you audition, you're a bit nervous and unsure because you aren't sure if you're liked. Once you have the role [commitment], you feel secure and the anxiety level decreases:'

Continues Patterson, "You're in bondage auditioning and trying to please. Then afterward there is the guilt they feel religiously. Those two things keep you from being free"

Patterson, who founded The Love Clinic nine years ago and authored a book by the same title, is encouraging people to move toward marriage through her "Mission Get Married" project. Married for 20 years herself, Patterson believes that couples who marry feel a burden lifted in the bedroom.

"Physically and spiritually there is a transition going from illegal sex (premarital) to legal sex (marriage)," she says. "Marital sex is better because you set aside anxiety and feelings of insecurity. The Bible teaches that sex outside of marriage is a sin. When you're engaged in illegal sex, you feel guilt and separation from God and it causes you not to enjoy it as much. When you get into legal sex, you're free to enjoy yourself. Single sisters worry about their reputation and being considered a 'slut.' Society rears men to be sexually active. They are called a 'player' or 'stud.' Women are called 'whores.'"

Age might also play a pivotal role in having better sex, says Patterson. "When you're young and sexually active, it's more about quantity and how many people they can get. As you age, you're looking more toward the quality of the person. That's when you move toward commitment."

Familiarity breeds bliss, which might explain why committed couples are found to have better sex, according to consulting sexologist, Dr. Herbert P. Samuels.

"They have more time to discover what each of them wants as compared to someone who might be single," explains Samuels, also a professor of human sexuality at LaGuardia Community College in New York. "If you're with someone for a long period of time, you will learn what they like and need. You can demonstrate that. If you're giving what they like, it's pretty good sex. There's no anxiety and nervousness."

He adds that pressures can be put on people if you aren't familiar with your mate, which might diminish the physical release from orgasm.

"You might pick up someone at a bar and have great sex and never see that person again, but you have a better sexual experience as you get to know that person. It's about time. If you don't really know the person, you might be concerned with performance or wonder who really is this person."

Dr. Wendell Cotton, 82, and Lurline Cotton, 83, of Garland, TX, have gotten to know each other well after 61 years of marriage. The parents of two know firsthand and wholeheartedly agree that committed couples have better sex. And, yes, they are still very much intimate and don't mind letting the world know. "It's good sex too!" laughs Mrs. Cotton, a master certified handwriting analyst. "We respect each other and we don't demand or command or say 'I have a headache.' Every time I hear about people getting a headache, I don't understand. Maybe I don't have a headache because I have good sex," she chuckles once more.

The "honesty of the situation" makes committed couples have better sex than singles, believes Dr. Cotton, a retired orthodontist. "You are truthful with each other and your commitment is honest," he explains. "There isn't a reason why you shouldn't have good sex because you love and understand each other. You should innately know what the other desires and what is good for each other. This is the way it has been with us."

The Cottons, who've worked as extras in such movies as Any Given Sunday, JFK and Serving Sara, say that their being good friends who respect each other has also been important.

"I can't think of a time, he can't think of a time either, when we thought of going outside of the relationship," says Lurtine Cotton. "Some people believe the grass is greener on the other side, but it's not. The grass is better at home. We've never tried to go out there and experiment."

Psychologist Dr. Tiy-E says that committed and married couples will have better sex because you perform at your best if you are in your comfort zone.

"There is nothing more comforting than knowing your man or your woman will be there for you every day and every night," says Tiy-E, author of Secrets Men Keep: What They Don't Tell. "Imagine love and you imagine great sex and great sex/love usually comes from committed and married couples."

He adds that women control the "sexual energy" in the bedroom.

"Since my beloved Sisters are mostly mental in the bedroom, there is nothing more stimulating to a woman than commitment," Tiy-E says. "Fact is that the supreme aphrodisiac is a 'ring.' A ring symbolizes a commitment to a woman. You give a woman a commitment and you have great sex for as long as the man does right by his beloved woman"

Some may believe that single people have better sex because there is no commitment and there can be variety. Not so, says Tiy-E.

"The biggest lie in the world is that men and women enjoy being single and having leisurely sex," he explains. "No man or woman wants the feeling of loneliness. And loneliness is exactly what you get when your sex partner leaves you in the bed after a sexual session ... Even if a man claims to be a big-time ladies man, he still goes to bed at the end of the night feeling lonely. Every man and woman wants someone whom they can trust, respect and please every day, not just for an occasional booty call."

Schizophrenia is a complicated, serious mental illness, and schizophrenia signs and symptoms can be hard to understand. As a result, many people—from the people who live with it to their families to people in society, to people in the media and to Hollywood television and movie producers—misjudge this illness of the brain. Developing awareness of the symptoms of schizophrenia will decrease negative stereotypes of schizophrenia and increase compassion for those who live with it. Just what are the symptoms of schizophrenia? Let’s take a look.

The symptoms of schizophrenia are multifaceted. Consequently, they are divided into multiple categories. The primary features of schizophrenia involve these symptoms:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganization (of speech, behavior)
• Blunted emotions, lack of motivation

These symptoms of schizophrenia (and deeper, underlying symptoms) don’t just pop up overnight. There are signs that indicate that the symptoms and diagnosis of schizophrenia are coming.

The Signs of Schizophrenia

The onset of the illness is preceded by the prodromal phase of schizophrenia. During the prodromal, or early, stages, distinct signs are present that indicate that something troubling might be going on in the person’s brain. These signs can include changes in behavior, thinking, communicating, and emotions. Some of the prodromal signs of schizophrenia include:

• Drop in performance at school, work, home tasks, etc.
• Declining self-care and hygiene
• Withdrawal from family, friends, activities, hobbies, leading increasingly to isolation
• Responding with anger to perceived criticism
• Problems with focus, concentration, and clear thinking
• Declining memory
• Trouble communicating because of confused speech
• Inappropriate or irrational statements made to self or others
• New ideas that seem strange and/or intense
• Suspiciousness, unease around others
• Problems separating fantasy from reality
• Intense emotions or, conversely, no emotion at all
• Lack of expression
• Change in sleep patterns

Someone doesn’t have to display all of these signs to be considered in the prodromal phase of schizophrenia; however, if he or she exhibits just one or two, and those are relatively mild, this isn’t a cause for concern about schizophrenia developing. It’s having multiple signs (exact signs differ from person to person) that intensify rather than disappear that is an indicator that someone is in the prodromal phase of schizophrenia.

Eventually, the prodromal phase becomes full-blown schizophrenia with its difficult list of symptoms.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

The short list of schizophrenia symptoms above delineates the major features, but it doesn’t paint a vibrant enough picture of the serious mental illness that is schizophrenia. In the DSM-5, the American Psychiatric Association succinctly states schizophrenia’s feature symptoms needed for diagnosis, and they describe them thoroughly in the accompanying write-up. Knowing the schizophrenia symptoms in the DSM-5 helps clarify what this illness is like.

According to the DSM-5, to be diagnosed with schizophrenia, someone must experience positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms are those that add to or distort a person’s normal experiences. Negative symptoms take away from someone’s ordinary experiences.

Positive symptoms can take the form of:

• Hallucinations (sensory distortions involving seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, or tasting things that aren’t real)
• Delusions (thought distortions, believing things that aren’t real; these can follow many different themes such as paranoia, grandeur, and more)
• Disorganized language (muddled, unintelligible speech, inappropriate responses to questions, lack of logical flow in sentences, ideas, conversations)
• Disorganized behavior (inappropriate behavior, lack of hygiene, dressing inappropriately for the weather)

Negative symptoms can include:

• Emotionless expression
• Avolition (inability to follow goal-oriented behavior; lack of motivation)
• Alogia (restricted thought and speech)

Often, someone with schizophrenia will experience other symptoms, too. Schizophrenia used to be divided into different subtypes of schizophrenia according to the other symptoms people exhibited. The subtypes are no longer used, but the traits still exist. Therefore, people who live with schizophrenia can have these symptoms, too:

• Catatonic symptoms
  • Almost impossibly slow movements
  • Mutism (failure to speak)
  • Acting as if others aren’t even there (“seeing through” them, ignoring talk)
  • Holding body in strange positions for long periods of time
  • Mimicking others’ speech
  • Random bursts of purposeless, hyperactive behavior
• Paranoid symptoms
  • Suspicious behavior, thoughts
  • Belief that others are out to get him/her
  • Protective actions
• Disorganized symptoms
  • Lack of focus, purpose
  • Problems with thought, speech
  • Similar to the disorganized behavior mentioned above, only more predominant and intense

If you are curious or concerned about your own symptoms, this schizophrenia symptoms test could help you pinpoint and sort out your symptoms. Such tests can’t diagnose schizophrenia (or any other mental disorder), but they can help you understand what you’re experiencing as well as provide a tool for talking to your doctor.

The experience of schizophrenia is unique to every individual who has it. The symptoms of schizophrenia are general features that are part of it, but everyone experiences them differently. Still, understanding these general symptoms will lead to understanding those who live with it.

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