Anxiety CAMHS

Problem

Anxiety: anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder in children

Description

Anxiety is a normal and common part of childhood. In most cases, anxiety in children is temporary, and may be triggered by a specific stressful event e.g. young child may experience separation anxiety when starting school.

In some cases, anxiety in children can be persistent and intense, interfering with a child’s daily routines and activities.

Anxiety disorders include phobias, general anxiety, panic or persistent unexplained physical symptoms, e.g. headache or stomach-ache.

Attachment disorders may also present with anxiety symptoms which may include refusal to partake in daily activities, such as school.

Referral Pathway

Children who show persistent or severe symptoms of anxiety, which interferes with daily function, should be referred to CAMHS.

Specialist services should be involved:

Where the child’s development or level of functioning has been seriously affected or there has been a sudden deterioration
Where it appears to be out of proportion to the family circumstances
Where there is a significant impact on the parent / carer / child relationship-please describe in referral.

CAMHS will not accept referrals for school truancy only and referrers should consult with education in the first instance. Schools and education departments have their own protocol/resources (e.g. inclusion support workers, educational psychologists and behavioural support services) which will need to be exhausted prior to referral.

Where a child is experiencing severe physical symptoms, initial referral to a paediatrician is recommended

Advice

For children who do not meet the criteria for CAMHS you may wish to direct them to:

Locality based mental health information/resources

https://ithriveedinburgh.org.uk/ (Edinburgh)
http://midspace.co.uk/ (Midlothian)
http://eastspace.org.uk/ (East Lothian)
http://www.westspace.org.uk/ (West Lothian)

Healthy reading scheme, available in some Lothian libraries.

Health Opportunities Team

Health Opportunities Team – Edinburgh based charity supporting young people aged 12-25 to improve their physical, sexual and emotional health and wellbeing. Trauma informed work includes, therapeutic 1:1, ‘Feel Good’ groups, weekly drop-ins, 1:1 and group work with young people affected by their own or parental substance use, RSHP education and group work in Schools.

1a Queens Walk
EH16 4EA
Tel 0131 468 4600

https://www.health-opportunities.org.uk/

info@health-opportunities.org.uk

Cross reach Counselling Services

Edinburgh 0131 552 8901

East Lothian 01368865218

MYPAS (Midlothian young people’s advice service includes counselling and family counselling services)
0131 454 0757

West Lothian: The Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing Screening group offers a wide variety of support for children young people and their families. Please contact the Children and Young Peoples team on Tel. 01506 282948 or email cypt@westlothian.gov.uk