Signs that Anxiety is Causing Defiant Behavior

Posted by Umang on February 22nd, 2020

Anxiety is often mistaken as shyness. When a child is shy, however, they don't tend to show many, if any, defiant behaviour. After all, some children tend to be more anxious or introverted than others. Extreme anxiety and an oppositional defiance disorder often go hand in hand.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is based on the fear of the future, whether that be one second from now to days from now. Anxiety can be caused when children try new things for the first time or on a school day, for example. While some anxiety is ok, there are some children who struggle with extreme anxiety that lasts for days, weeks, months, or longer. In this case, the child may have an extreme anxiety disorder.

What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

The way a child exhibits oppositional defiant disorder varies from child to child and from gender to gender. The following are some of the more common symptoms:

• Easily loses temper
• Argues and fights
• Will not follow rules
• Blames others
• Will not compromise
• Seeks revenge, is spiteful
• Frequently frustrated
• Has difficulty concentrating
• Doesn't think before speaking
• Low self-esteem
• Has a hard time making friends.

How is Anxiety and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Related?

Being under constant stress and fear takes a toll on a child. They may be furious, upset and lash out by not knowing why they feel the way they do. Some of the signs to look out for to understand whether your child's behaviour is linked to extreme anxiety, consider the following:

The Child Does Not Tolerate Criticism

This applies to constructive criticism, as well. When a child is criticized and anxious, they often choose a response to flight or fight, and will not accept the criticism, even if the intention is to assist them.

The Child is Disruptive at School

Outbursts, tantrums, and other disruptive behaviours at school could be a sign that the child is suffering from extreme anxiety. This anxiety leads to frustration, which then leads to inappropriate behaviour. The child could be anxious about test-taking, finding friends at lunch or on the playground, or find themselves overwhelmed with the school work they must complete.

The Child's Behavior is Unpredictable

Not being able to predict how a child will behave in a given situation can indicate a child is feeling nervous below the surface. Unpredictable behaviour, like sudden outbursts, tantrums, and fights, that come out of nowhere are a red flag that there is something deep going on within the child. Anxiety may be the cause. 

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