Should be x-posted in gifted forum. Re: GAD and Panic Disorder, especially perfromance anxiety.

[iamme]

Background-older dd has been dxed with generalized anxiety and panic disorder. Youngest ds is displaying the same, minus performance anxiety.
This dd was labeled gifted during a short time in PS. This ds is obviously TAG.
Dd has recieved a year of CBT and was "graduated." We cannot take ds in due to no more mental health insurance.
So, a question for those that are informed about these things!

If dd is experiencing intense anxiety/panic before a once a year dance recital, would it make sense to have her involved in more things throughout the year that allow for her to perform in front of others? It seems the buildup to this once a year weekend is just waay too much.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Me

[Oubliette8]

I think it might. Performance anxiety is normal on some level with almost everyone, but if its really intense, then something should be done. I used to have some serious anxiety issues and found the more I faced them, the better they became. I played in instrument in school, when I first started I was terrified to sign up for events and such that might mean I had to play in front of others- particularly outside of a group. By the time I got to college, I found the pre-concert jitters had almost entirely subsided, although solos still cause considerable nervousness. I'd say there's a good chance that if she is exposed to more opportunities to perform, she'll gradually desentize. It might help if they were less formal- ie, maybe say, small group recitals for parents at the place of instruction as opposed to big mandatory events that get really hyped up. A variety might help too, for instance, I can play my instrument in a group with few problems, or give a speech. But if you asked me to act in a play, my anxiety would be sky high.

On the other hand, if her anxiety is REALLY bad, it might back fire on you. Nobody likes to be pushed into things they are terrified of doing. For that reason it might be better to pick some activities where participation is encourage but not required- then if she has a huge panic attack and its all too much, you can be supportive that she tried, but not force her into doing it.

As far as counseling for the kids, you might ask around and see if there are low cost clinics in your area. In my town, which is not too large, we have 2 or 3 low cost counseling places. One of them is county funded and actually pretty good. They aren't particularly widely known about though. I'd ask your doctor, maybe call some local low-cost health clinics and see if they know of resources, try asking at the library etc. If you can find one they offer counseling on a sliding scale, and some income levels are free.