While common among adolescents, anxiety disorders can significantly impact their daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. These could present as excessive fear, continual worry, or even an unease that seems disproportionate to the situation at hand. It is not uncommon for adolescents to experience bouts of anxiety as they navigate through these pivotal years of growth and development.
However, the silver lining is that anxiety disorders are treatable. Here at Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, we offer a comprehensive teen anxiety treatment program. Emphasizing a caring and supportive approach, we work with young people to manage their anxiety, reclaim their lives, and move towards a path of well-being and resilience.
If you’re in need of mental health treatment for adolescents, contact us at 855.940.6229 today.
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If you’re concerned your child could have anxiety, take our test for parents to understand your child’s behavior better.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve feelings of worry, fear, and unease. It is expected to experience some level of anxiety in certain situations. Still, when these feelings become excessive or interfere with daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Each type may present with different symptoms, but the common factor is that they can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.
Signs Your Adolescent May Have an Anxiety Disorder
It’s important to note that each individual may experience anxiety differently, but there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for in adolescents:
- Excessive worry or fear
- Restlessness or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, and muscle tension
- Avoiding social situations or activities they used to enjoy
- Decline in school performance
- Avoidance behavior, such as avoiding people or situations
- Trembling and shaking
- Difficulty managing feelings of worry and fear
- Sleep problems such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
If you notice any of these signs in your adolescent, they may be struggling with an anxiety disorder. Seeking professional help is crucial for effective treatment in cases affecting your child’s everyday life.
Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Options
At Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, we offer a range of proven anxiety treatment options tailored to the unique needs of each adolescent. These therapies aim to equip teens with practical skills and strategies to manage their anxiety, fostering resilience and well-being. Therapy and medication can be used to help adolescents with anxiety. Depending on the specific anxiety disorder diagnosed, an individualized treatment plan can be developed.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, can be utilized as a treatment for anxiety in adolescents. Talking to a mental health specialist can help reduce excessive fear surrounding most anxiety issues. A psychotherapist can help adolescents overcome anxiety through comprehensive cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapies.
CBT is an evidence-based therapy that can help many mental health conditions, including anxiety. CBT is based on the theory that emotions, thinking, and behaviors are all connected. By changing one of these, all can change.
Medication
While medication may not cure anxiety, it is an effective way of relieving the symptoms. Through appropriate medication, an adolescent can relax their mind and handle situations with ease.
These medications can include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers. The proper medication can help adolescents stay calm under pressure and manage their anxiety symptoms.
Seeking Help for Adolescent Anxiety at Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness
Anxiety disorders can be challenging to navigate on your own. If you are concerned that your adolescent may have an anxiety disorder, it is essential to seek professional help.
Learn more about our anxiety treatment program today by calling 855.940.6229 or reaching out through the MCAW online contact form for more information.
