School Anxiety/School Absenteeism Among Children and Young People
Contents
Diagnosis and Treatment
School anxiety refers to a pronounced anxiety reaction associated with attending school. It can manifest itself in children and young people with varying degrees of intensity – ranging from persistent nervousness to a severe fear of everyday school life. The causes are varied and may include, amongst other things, pressure to perform, social conflicts, experiences of bullying, or feelings of being either over- or under-challenged.
Fear of school is a serious emotional burden and can have a significant impact on the well-being, academic progress and social life of those affected. An early professional assessment is important in order to understand the causes and develop appropriate support measures.
Treatment of School Anxiety and School Absenteeism in Children and Young People
At the Verus Clinic, we support children and young people experiencing school anxiety, as well as their families, using a personalised, professionally grounded treatment approach. The aim is to provide guidance, help them make sense of their fears and support them, step by step, on their journey back to a structured daily routine.
Our approach is holistic and takes emotional, psychological and social aspects into account. Treatment takes place in a supportive, safe environment that conveys a sense of security, reliability and transparency. Trust, respect and professional care form the basis of our work.
The specialised, multi-professional team at the Verus Clinic attaches great importance to providing personalised care and involving the family as well as – where appropriate – the school environment.
Therapeutic Approaches to School Anxiety and School Absenteeism in Children and Adolescents
The treatment of school anxiety requires a tailored therapeutic approach, as the causes and severity can vary greatly from person to person. The therapeutic measures are tailored to the child’s age, the level of distress and their personal resources.
Possible treatment approaches include, amongst others:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Systemic therapy involving the family
- Psychotherapeutic approaches based on depth psychology
- Relaxation and stabilisation techniques
- Intensive work with parents and families
- Individual and group
therapy
The aim of the therapy is to gain a better understanding of anxieties, develop coping strategies and gradually build confidence in a school setting. Close cooperation with pupils’ home schools and outpatient support services can be helpful in this regard.
Symptoms of School Anxiety in Children and Young People
Fear of school can manifest itself in children and young people both emotionally and physically.
Common symptoms may include:
- Severe anxiety about going to school
- Stomach ache, headache or other physical symptoms with no organic cause
- Sleep problems, particularly before school days
- Avoiding school activities or events
- Difficulties in socialising with classmates
- Low self-esteem and self-confidence in an educational context
- Difficulties concentrating and a decline in academic performance
Not all symptoms occur at the same time. Their severity may vary depending on the situation.
Diagnosis of School Anxiety in Children and Young People
School anxiety is diagnosed on the basis of a thorough and holistic assessment carried out by experienced specialists. This involves discussions with the child or young person, as well as with their parents or carers.
The aim of the assessment is to identify emotional, social and academic factors and to rule out any physical causes of the symptoms. Based on this assessment, a personalised treatment and support plan can be developed.
Refusal to Attend School and Truancy – Individual Support
Persistent school absenteeism can have various psychological causes, such as emotional disorders involving separation anxiety, social phobias, depression, experiences of bullying or situations where the child feels overwhelmed. In severe cases, this can lead to significant social withdrawal, which makes attending school or leaving the home environment considerably more difficult.
In such situations, more intensive therapeutic support may be beneficial. The Verus Clinic offers personalised treatment plans tailored to the individual resources and coping limits of children and young people.
Particular emphasis is placed on creating a voluntary, supportive treatment environment. If inpatient treatment appears necessary, the young person may – depending on their individual situation – be admitted together with a parent. The aim is to avoid overwhelming the young person and to create a stable therapeutic environment.
Coercive measures are not part of the Verus Clinic’s treatment approach. Instead, we adopt an open, transparent and resource-oriented approach.
Personal Advice
Do you have any questions about the diagnosis or treatment of school anxiety or school absenteeism in children and young people?
We would be happy to discuss our services and possible next steps with you in a face-to-face meeting.
Our treatment methods
How We Can Treat You and Help You
Diagnostic procedures at the Verus Clinic therefore include a detailed initial medical history, selected psychological tests and the latest neuropsychological assessment methods.
Art Therapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment As a further means of facilitating access to inner psychological processes, art therapy has been successfully integrated into our therapeutic
Group Psychotherapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment Through dialogue with other group participants and by witnessing the inner psychological challenges each individual faces, you will realise that
Individual Psychotherapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment The aim of the one-to-one sessions is to bring about a change in these circumstances through helpful coping strategies, resource-based
Relaxation Treatment
Treatment methods About the Treatment Yoga, qigong and forest bathing bring peace and harmony to body, mind and soul. Relaxation helps you to become more
Trauma Therapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment Trauma arises when our physical and/or psychological integrity is violated and the person affected is left feeling helpless, at the
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