Treatment of Anxiety in Teens

Don't Let Anxiety & Worry Limit Your Teen

What does anxiety in adolescence look like?

Do your find yourself in a state of constant worrying?  Do you struggle with building friendships or making small talk? Do you ever lay awake stressing about school, social drama, or what will happen after graduation? 

Anxiety is quite common amongst teenagers in the U.S. (Costello et al, 2005; Baxter, Scott, Vos, & Whiteford, 2013), particularly social anxiety.  Some attribute this to the increased use of technology for communication (Pierce, 2009), which decreases the frequency of face-to-face interaction. 

Teens who struggle with anxiety may have similar problems as adults might, particular with identifying the differences between emotions and thoughts.  Feelings of anxiety arise when we anticipate a threat or uncertainty to prepare us to respond.  Clinicians divide anxious feelings into bodily symptoms (somatic) and mental symptoms (cognitive).  Bodily symptoms include might include shakiness, edginess, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.  Mental symptoms include worry, difficulty concentrating, and fixation on certain fears or thoughts.  Many of teens (and adults) tend to confuse anxiety with fear, seeing them as one state of being. 

Although very similar, fear and anxiety have a few important distinctions (DSM-5; Getz, 2014): 

So, what can we do to help?

The first step in treating ADHD involves accurate assessment of symptoms and diagnosis.  Many other disorders can manifest in similar ways, and the treatment is different for each disorder.

Part of the treatment plan may also involve having your child meet with your primary care provider (PCP), psychiatrist, or other prescribers to consult regarding the use of medication. 

Although medication can be an effective way to moderate hyperactive behaviors (Nair, Ehimare, Beitman, Nair, & Lavin, 2006), precautions must be taken before a giving children stimulant medication long-term (Greenhill, Pliszka, & Dulcan, 2002). Stimulants also tend to be overprescribed in the United States (Jensen, Kettle, Roper, Sloan, Dulcan, Hoven, & Payne, 1999).  We will work as a team to determine the most effective strategy for treatment before moving forward with medication.

Treatment for anxiety

As a clinical psychologist, I take a careful and direct approach to helping teens overcome anxiety.  Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been found to be one of the most effective treatment options for anxiety (Öst & Ollendick, 2017; Warwick et al, 2017). 

In treating anxiety disorders, my process begins with a thorough intake interview and diagnosis.  Based on the diagnosis and the goals you have for improving your life, I design an evidence-based treatment plan with a focus in symptom reduction. 

Therapy can help teens with anxiety:

• Increase confidence

• Develop a realistic self-esteem

• Build social skills

• Decrease avoidance behaviors

• Identify the cause of anxious feelings

• Regulate feelings to meet the situation

• Tactics for dealing with panic

• Tolerate anxious feelings

• Gain awareness of anxiety triggers

Therapy is the fastest, most effective way for teens to address their anxiety.  Although adults may also wish to discuss options for medication for anxiety symptoms, teenagers may need to wait until adulthood (when neurological growth begins to finalize development).  These options will be discussed in our first meeting if desired. 

Sometimes anxiety can keep people from seeking the help they need.  Take the first step towards regaining control of your life, and schedule your first session today.