Understanding
Anxiety in Teens
Dr. Sandra specializes in anxiety and OCD treatment for preteens and teenagers ages 12 - 17 years old. Anxiety in teens is common. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that nearly one third of teens meet criteria for an anxiety disorder; with even more teens experiencing anxiety at a subclinical level. Studies also demonstrate anxiety disorders are even more common in teenage girls (nearly 40%!). If your teen is experiencing anxiety, individual therapy can help. Dr. Sandra’s approach focuses on building a strong rapport with teens. She knows earning their trust and “buy in” to engage in evidence based treatments for anxiety is essential. Dr. Sandra incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills (DBT Skills), all of which have strong research support for helping teens with anxiety and related disorders.
Anxiety Symptoms in Teens
Symptoms of anxiety in preteens and teens are similar to anxiety symptoms of the general population. Symptoms may include worry/rumination, physical sensations of fear/nervousness, avoidance, procrastination, irritability, difficulty sleeping, appetite changes, stomach pain/nausea and frequent reassurance seeking.
Anxiety symptoms in adolescence may arise due to normative developmental stressors- both environmental and biological. Environmental stressors may include academic pressure, school transitions, friendship difficulties, fear of missing out, pressure to fit in, identity exploration/development, social media use, parental disapproval, and/or romantic relationships. Biological factors include puberty, hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition to anxiety.
Anxiety Disorder in Teens
When a teen’s anxiety symptoms begin to impact their daily functioning or cause significant distress, they may meet diagnostic criteria for an anxiety or related disorder. Some common anxiety disorders seen in teens include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Separation Anxiety Disorder. Symptoms or behaviors that may cue a need for assessment and treatment for an anxiety disorder in teens include social avoidance, irritability, lashing out, school refusal, frequent complaints of headache or stomach pain, and/or significant decline in academic performance.
Teen Anxiety Treatment
There are strong, evidence-based therapeutic treatments for anxiety disorders in teens. These approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), coping skills, self-compassion, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr. Sandra individualizes and tailors her approach based on each individual teenager and their needs. Dr. Sandra experienced significant anxiety in adolescence herself, and is passionate about helping teens on their journeys with anxiety. With her extensive training in adolescent anxiety treatment, as well as her personal experiences overcoming anxiety, Dr. Sandra is skilled in helping teens feel understood, validated, and empowered as they engage in treatment for anxiety and related disorders.
Schedule your Free Consultation Call
Dr. Sandra offers expert advice and treatment for teens with anxiety in Conshohocken, PA and virtually across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut and several other states. If you believe your child has anxiety and you don’t know where to start, book a free consultation call. Dr. Sandra will introduce herself, answer any questions you have, and explore what anxiety treatment for your teen might look like.