LYME DISEASE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
IDENTIFYING LYME IN THE SCHOOLS
By Sandy Berenbaum
How a child or adolescent with undiagnosed Lyme disease might present to:
The Teacher
• Lethargy, fatigue
• Moodiness, depression, anxiety
• Withdrawal from peers
• Headaches or other physical complaints
• Behavioral problems
• Speaking and writing difficulty
• Declining school attendance
• Difficulty remaining in class
• Early morning absences
• Erratic academic performance
• Declining grades
• Attentional disorders
• Poor concentration and memory
• Tardiness
The School Nurse
• Frequent headaches
• Joint pain, twitching
• Dizziness, disorientation
• Sleep disturbance
• Sensitivity to sound, light, or other
stimulation
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Vision problems
• Depression, anxiety, mood swings
• Severe PMS
• Profound fatigue
The Guidance Counselor
• Difficulty maintaining a full schedule
• Erratic attendance, tardiness
• Difficulty remaining in class
• Behavioral problems
• Decline in academic performance
• Withdrawal from peers
• Change to lower functioning peer group
Note: Lyme disease symptoms may be persistent or transitory.
Sandy Berenbaum, LCSW, BCD, Lyme-Literate Psychotherapist
Family Connections Center For Counseling
Offices in Brewster, NY and Southbury, CT
Phone: (203) 240-7787