If your child seems unusually stressed or anxious, it could be more than just the typical teenage angst. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder in the United States, affecting approximately 20% of adolescents. So, what exactly is an anxiety disorder? And what can you do to help your child if they’re struggling with one?
At HillsidesCares, we understand how anxiety can affect your teenager’s mental and emotional health. We offer a variety of services to help your child cope with their anxiety, including therapy, medication management, and educational resources. Contact us today at 323.641.4842 to learn more about our adolescent mental health programs in Pasadena, California.
What Is an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions characterized by intense fear, worry, or stress that significantly interfere with daily functioning. Several types of anxiety disorders exist, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Importantly, social anxiety disorder often occurs as a comorbid condition, meaning it can coexist with other mental health disorders, which can complicate the overall impact on an individual’s well-being.
Comorbidity refers to the presence of more than one disorder in the same person at the same time. When someone is experiencing both social anxiety disorder and another anxiety or mood disorder, their symptoms can become more complex and challenging to manage. This interplay between multiple conditions can negatively affect mental health outcomes, making early identification and comprehensive treatment even more critical.
At HillsidesCares, we recognize the importance of addressing anxiety disorders—including social anxiety disorder—particularly when comorbid with other conditions. Our approach emphasizes treating the whole person by understanding the interconnected nature of their mental health challenges. When it comes to your teen, identifying and understanding the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders—whether they appear on their own or alongside other conditions—can help ensure they receive the support and treatment needed to improve their quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders in Teens and Children
Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time, but people with anxiety disorders feel an intense, persistent, and disabling level of fear and worry. For children and teenagers, this can make everyday activities like going to school or talking to friends feel impossible. While each teen experiences anxiety differently, there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Excessive worrying or rumination about various aspects of daily life
- Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue, even after adequate rest
- Muscle tension or headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or experiencing “brain fog”
- Irritability or easily feeling overwhelmed
Social Anxiety Disorder
- Intense fear of social situations or being judged by others
- Avoiding social interactions or activities involving groups of people
- Difficulty talking to peers or authority figures
- Excessive worry before social events
- Physical symptoms such as sweating, blushing, or shaking during social situations
- Fear of embarrassment or humiliation
Panic Disorder
- Experiencing unexpected panic attacks, which include intense fear and physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or trembling
- Fear of having additional panic attacks
- Avoiding situations or places where previous panic attacks have occurred
- Feeling a loss of control during a panic attack
- Racing thoughts or feelings of impending doom
Phobias
- Intense and irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation (e.g., heights, animals, flying)
- Avoiding situations or objects that trigger the phobia
- Immediate anxiety response when exposed to the feared object or situation
- Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, or dizziness
If your teenager displays any of these symptoms, seeking professional help is essential. If symptoms are left untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to other behavioral health conditions.
Anxiety Treatment for Teens and Children
Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The most common type of treatment is psychotherapy, which can be delivered in individual or group format. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of psychotherapy that is especially effective in treating anxiety disorders. Other popular forms of treatment include exposure therapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed by a psychiatrist or other medical doctor.
If your child struggles with anxiety, the first step is to talk to their doctor or mental health professional. They can help you to determine whether your child’s symptoms are caused by an anxiety disorder or another mental health condition. Once a diagnosis has been made, they will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your teenager’s specific needs.
HillsidesCares specializes in treating child and teen anxiety disorders and can help provide your child with the support and treatment that meets their needs. We can work with your family to create a comprehensive treatment plan with evidence-based therapies.
Find an Anxiety Treatment Program at HillsidesCares
If your child is suffering from anxiety, know that you are not alone and there are things you can do to help your child cope with this condition. HillsidesCares offers anxiety treatment programs in Pasadena, CA, that can help your teenager manage their symptoms and feel better. We’d be happy to answer any of your questions or to schedule a tour for your family. Contact us online or at 323.641.4842 to learn more about our anxiety treatment programs and how we can help your family.