Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents

What is anxiety?

• Excessive feelings of nervousness, worry, anxiousness, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a future concern.

Why are adolescents with anxiety an at risk group?

Anxiety disorders can lead to:

• Substance abuse
• Suicide
• Depression
• Poor performance in school
• Behavioral problems
• Low self-esteem
• Social isolation
• Alcoholism
• Anxiety disorders can persist into adulthood.

Types of Anxiety Disorders and their characteristics

General Anxiety Disorder

• Extreme worry about a variety of events; past, present or future. Can affect health, family, and peer relationships.

Characteristics

• Restlessness
• Feeling on edge
• Easily fatigued
• Difficulties concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances

Panic Disorders

• Recurrent panic attacks and persistent anxiety that may lead to more panic attacks or physical or psychological harm. Adolescents with panic disorders avoid going to school and social gatherings/activities.

Characteristics

• Chest pain
• Choking feelings
• Gastrointestinal distress
• Dizziness
• Fear of dying or going crazy

Separation Anxiety

• Unwillingness to separate from caregiver or major attachment figures or from home.

Characteristics

• Excessive worry about potential harm toward oneself.
• Headaches
• Nightmares
• Stomachaches
• Sweating

Social Phobia

• Intense fear or embarrassment or humiliation in social situations.
• Can lead to extreme shyness and avoidance or social interactions.

Characteristics

• Ongoing fear of situations in which the adolescent is exposed to unfamiliar people.
• Fear of situations in which the adolescent may be scrutinized by others.
• Avoidance and fear of school and other social events.

Specific Phobias

• Intense, irrational fears of specific things and situations.

Characteristics

• Avoidance and distress leading to disruption of daily routine.
• Difficulties in school, community or family functioning.
• Unstable social relationships
• Sweaty palms

Statistical data

• 8% (1 in 8) adolescents between the ages of 13-18 have an anxiety disorder with typical symptoms occurring around age 6.
• Only 18% receive the mental health care they need.

Factors involved at school, home, and the community

School

• Behavior problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low grades
• Not turning in assignments
• Avoiding peers and other adults
• Falling behind

Home

• Behavior problems
• Sleeping a lot or having trouble sleeping
• Avoidance
• Complaining of illnesses such as stomachacnes and headaches.
• Substance abuse

Community

• Social avoidance
• Avoiding responsibilities
• Substance abuse
• Avoiding extracurricular activities
• Problems with the law

Intervention

• Cognitive Behavior Therapy
• Yoga
• Mindfulness
• Relaxation Techniques

Support and services available

• Medication
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy

References

• www.psychiatric.org
• www.villagebh.com