Improving the lives of those suffering from psychiatric and behavioral disorders is what we strive to achieve at the CNS Center of Arizona. Our psychiatrists specialize in severe and dual neuropsychiatric disorders. They understand and care for the patient medically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. They teach what they know to patients and their families. This approach, we have found, helps empower patients to manage their lives, over time, and achieve the best outcome possible. Our approach at CNS Center of Arizona is a collaborative model of care involving other professionals and therapists. We expect patients who are currently in therapy to maintain contact with their primary therapist. CNS Center AZ http://www.cnscenteraz.com

1. Anxiety Symptoms in
Teens
CNS Center AZ
https://www.cnscenteraz.com

2. Contrary to popular belief, anxiety is actually pretty
normal during adolescent and teenage years, for this
period serves to be the most stressful stage in a person’s
life. This is understandable for these years tend to be the
most explorative and confusing years in one’s life.

3. Normally, anxiety serves as a coping mechanism
stimulated by the brain to deal with feelings of
uneasiness during stressful situations. For most
people, it is a normal phase that will dissipate over
time on its own.

4. However, some people experience severe anxiety
which can negatively impact his or her life; symptoms
start to hinder these people from socializing and
participating in various activities. Overwhelming
feelings of anxiety will then start to develop into
worse conditions giving light to anxiety disorder,
depression, or even phobias.

5. According to the National Institute of Mental
Health, almost 25% of teenagers, aging from 13 to
18 years old, have an anxiety disorder; while, 6%
have a more severe anxiety disorder.

6. This is a pretty hefty percentage rate, which should
be given attention to by parents or other parental
figures, for this can heavily affect a young person’s
mental health as he or she grows.

7. Unfortunately, symptoms of anxiety disorder can be
very difficult to spot especially on teenagers.
Oftentimes, signs and symptoms are mistaken to be
brought upon by hormonal changes. Luckily, there
are tell-tale signs that you can watch out for.

8. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY
Mental Changes
People with anxiety disorder often manifest personality changes. Aside from
extreme feelings of nervousness, dread, and worry, individuals will tend to
display the following:
Fatigue
Extreme fear
Restlessness
Irritability
Difficulty in concentrating
Unexplained outbursts

9. Social Changes
Anxiety can also relatively affect your teen’s relationship with
others. If your teen starts to act detached from family or friends,
there is a problem. Observe for other signs such as:
Isolation
Avoiding participation even in favorite activities
Detachment from friends or even family
Frequent refusal to go out

10. Physical Changes
Aside from a change in mental state, anxiety disorder can manifest itself
in various physical conditions as well. Most of the time, these symptoms
are dismissed as complaints but pay attention to the frequency or
pattern. The following are red flags that you have to watch out for:
Frequent headaches or migraines
Gastrointestinal problems
Changes in eating habits
Complaints about not feeling even without medical issues

11. Other Symptoms
In severe cases, symptoms can become extremely obvious
which will be manifested through sleep disturbances, insomnia,
and panic attacks. Oftentimes, parents dismiss panic attacks as
tantrums or unreasonable outbursts. But, panic attacks are
distinguishable by the following signs:

12. Rapid heartbeat
Trembling or shaking
Sweating or cold sweats
Upset stomach
Dizziness
Chest pain
Numbness in arms and legs
Tingling sensation in muscles
Difficulty breathing

13. OTHER DISORDERS RELATED TO ANXIETY
Aside from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), your
teen can suffer from other mental health issues that can
develop when his or her condition is left unchecked.

14. Separation Anxiety
This is a condition wherein a person feels scared of being
separated from home or figures with major attachments. It might
seem like a non-threatening condition, but it can lead to severe
anxiety and even depression. It is often manifested through
unwillingness to separate from certain people or leave home. This
will lead your teen to further isolate himself or herself from other
people. Separation anxiety also has a tendency to amplify feelings
of insecurity and loneliness.

15. Panic Disorder
In extreme cases, panic attacks can become recurrent. In a way,
anxiousness regarding panic attacks will start to trigger more
panic attacks; this may even lead to physical or psychological
harm. This will also develop unwillingness to socialize and
engage or participate in activities due to fear of anxiety
attacks. When left untreated, panic disorders can lead to
agoraphobia.

16. Social Phobia
As the name entails, this is the development of fear in associating
and mingling with others. It also includes fear of embarrassment
and humiliation in social situations. In severe cases, the person
may find it difficult to execute normal day-to-day activities due to
fear of socializing.

17. EFFECTS OF ANXIETY ON TEENS
Anxiety disorder and other disorders associated to it are
manageable by therapeutic approaches. However, these
concerns have a long term effect on teens if left unchecked. It
can significantly impair a person’s daily life. Effects of anxiety
disorder include the following:

18. Behavioral problems
Poor academic performance
Frequent absences in school
Dropping out of school
Low self-esteem
Substance use and abuse
Alcoholism
Misdemeanors or committing of petty crimes
Persistence of anxiety disorder in adulthood

19. What can you do?
If you have observed that your teen display most of the signs
and symptoms listed above, you can opt to ask for professional
help. Aside from this, you can help in simple ways such as
giving support. You can also encourage your teen to
participate in activities or social gatherings.

20. Friends can also play a big part in treating anxiety disorders;
encourage your teen to make friends. Last but definitely the
most important, you should spare some time to lend an ear to
your teen. In most cases, anxiety disorder is caused by extreme
worrying over circumstances that he or she is experiencing.
Proper guidance and support can considerably help him or
her.

21. Friends can also play a big part in treating anxiety disorders;
encourage your teen to make friends. Last but definitely the
most important, you should spare some time to lend an ear to
your teen. In most cases, anxiety disorder is caused by extreme
worrying over circumstances that he or she is experiencing.
Proper guidance and support can considerably help him or
her.

22. For more information please visit us at:
CNS Center AZ
https://www.cnscenteraz.com