$Unique_ID{BRK01081}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{Does "School Phobia" Really Exist?}
$Subject{fear school phobia}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does "School Phobia" Really Exist?


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QUESTION:  I am having the darndest time getting my young son off to school
each day.  He will use any excuse not to go.  One of the teachers called this
a "school phobia" and suggested that I seek some counseling and help for my
child.  What do you think?  Does this phobia really exist?

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ANSWER:  I think many experts agree that there is a condition called "school
phobia" and that it may be more common than once thought.  However in many
cases, it is more truly a fear of leaving home than a horror of being in
school.  Actually many of these children want to attend their classes but
suffer from the effects of a separation anxiety, not wishing to leave the
protection of their home and parents.  Some fear their mother will desert them
when they are away at school and will put up quite a battle when the moment to
leave arrives, clinging to the mother, crying and screaming.  Many develop
complaints of headache, dizziness, abdominal pains, nausea and vomiting all of
which resolve quite rapidly when they are permitted to stay at home.  To be
sure, some events at school, such as a school bully, or an overcritical
teacher may aid the development of the problem, as will a fear of certain
subjects.  Most of these children have an average or superior intelligence,
and the problem may occur in families of all social, ethnic, religious and
economic classes.  Do not confuse school phobia with truancy, where the child
leaves home without any problem, but does not attend school, roaming the
streets instead with others who are also "taking the day off".  These
youngsters are frequently poor students, and their parents are unaware of the
absence.  School phobia is a complex problem in many cases and seeking
professional help in these cases is well advised.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
