Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry, fear, and anxiety that interfere with daily activities1. It’s the most common mental health disorder in the United States, affecting about 8% of children and teenagers.2
Anxiety disorders in adolescents include specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder1. Symptoms generally include excessive fears and worries, feelings of inner restlessness, and a tendency to be excessively wary and vigilant3. Physical symptoms such as sleep problems, muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, and pain can also occur3.
Supporting an adolescent with an anxiety disorder involves understanding their condition, providing emotional support, and encouraging healthy habits45. Here are some strategies:
- Create a Safe Space: Make sure your teenager feels comfortable and safe before starting the conversation4.
- Validate Their Feelings: Let your teenager know that you understand their anxiety and that it’s a real and valid feeling4.
- Encourage Them to Talk: Encourage your teenager to express their feelings and concerns4.
- Offer Support: Be there for your teenager, offering comfort and reassurance4.
- Encourage Healthy Habits: Encourage a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and good sleep habits2.
- Help Them Develop Coping Strategies: Help your teenager learn and practice relaxation techniques and stress management strategies5.
- Seek Professional Help: If your teenager’s anxiety is severe or persists despite your efforts, it may be helpful to seek professional help5.
Here are some published works on anxiety disorders in adolescents:
- “The Effectiveness of Psychological Therapies for Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis”: This paper discusses the effectiveness of psychological therapies for adolescent anxiety disorders in reducing anxiety disorder symptoms and remission from the primary anxiety disorder6.
- “Adolescent anxiety disorders and the developing brain: Comparing neuroimaging findings in adolescents and adults”: This paper reviews and compares recent neuroimaging literature on anxiety-related brain structural and functional deficits between adolescent and adult populations7.
- “Understanding Anxiety in Children and Teens - Child Mind Institute”: This report looks at just how widespread child and adolescent anxiety disorders are, examines the impact of early risk factors including temperament, and describes effective treatments8.
- “Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: A summary and overview of the literature”: This paper provides a summary and overview of the literature on anxiety disorders in children and adolescents9.
- “ANXIETY DISORDERS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS”: This paper discusses the nature, development, treatment, and prevention of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents10.
Remember, every teenager is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It’s important to be patient, understanding, and supportive4.