Question: I have an 11 year old who has been having "spells" since he started walking at 1yr. old. He gets very dizzy and then slips into this unconsious state where he cannot open his eyes and vomits violently for 24 hours. He has had all tests necessary by his pediatric neurologist. All have come back norma . . .

Answer: Seeking an evaluation from a pediatric neurologist was the right thing to do but the symptoms you relate do not seem consistent with an anxiety disorder. I would seek a second opinion from peds neurology.

Ask an Expert: Floyd Sallee MD, Anxiety and Stress Disorders (Children) View full article

Identifying Syncope

Question: My son is 11 years old and complains that he suddenly felt as though things were moving in slow motion for a few seconds in school today. He says this happened twice today. I must also tell you that about 8 months ago I met with a terrible accident and when he came to see me in the ICU he fainted. T . . .

Answer: It sounds like your child is experiencing symptoms of syncope or "fainting spells" which is not uncommon in school age children, I would have him evaluated by your pediatrician.

Ask an Expert: Floyd Sallee MD, Anxiety and Stress Disorders (Children) View full article

Aggressive Behavior

Question: A 3 year old throws tantums every time you cross him. He hits yells "no" and has been disciplined every time he has these behavior problems. No amount of discipline helps. He hits or messes up other childrens toys. He seems to not have learned and this behavior just continues.

Answer: Temper tantrums at age 3 are natural and expected. How parents deal with tantrums and aggressive behavior often determine the outcome of the interaction. Aggressive behavior is frequently the first sign of behavioral problems in preschool children and is the leading cause of difficulties later on in . . .

Ask an Expert: Floyd Sallee MD, Anxiety and Stress Disorders (Children) View full article

Symptoms of OCD in Children

Question: My son has shown signs of anxiety from early on. We adopted him from another country and were united when he was 4 months old. He is very intelligent and enjoys all kinds of sports. The first time I tried to separate from him in a formal child care situation, I was in the same place but a different . . .

Answer: Your child as you describe him is of a shy and sensitive nature and given the right supportive environment lives up to the expectations of adults in his world. It sounds like your child may have obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCD is also an anxiety disorder) with reassurance seeking part of the obes . . .

Ask an Expert: Floyd Sallee MD, Anxiety and Stress Disorders (Children) View full article

Symptoms of Anxiety in Children

Question: Hi, I am concerned about my 10 year old son. He is a great kid and very smart. He seems pretty much like alot of kids except he has worried me lately. The past year he has gained weight, and every so often he starts with facial tics. First he blinked his eyes for a few weeks, then he stopped that an . . .

Answer: Tics are common in childhood but if they persist, even intermittently over a 12 month period, you son should be evaluated further for a tic disorder.

Ask an Expert: Floyd Sallee MD, Anxiety and Stress Disorders (Children) View full article