Anxiety in Adolescents Tory Engen

Types Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Disorder

Causes Deranged psychological profile Trauma (PTSD) Learned Behavior Chemical Imbalance in brain Poor Self-esteem

Genetics Biochemistry Environment Family History

Symptoms Headaches Stomach aches Thoughts of being embarrassed or being rejected Difficulty relaxing Isolation from peers

Trembling voice Crying Screaming Avoiding certain situations Changes in heart rate Sweaty palms

Effects Feelings of panic Flashbacks- (PTSD) Brain cell damage Aggression Anger Depression

Excessive worrying- Ex. sports, school High stress levels Self-consciousness Low success outlook Worried about people's expectations Unwanted thoughts – (OCD)

Gastroinestinal disorders Headaches Obesity Heart Disease Mood swings Insomnia Alcoholism

Chronic pain Fatigue Low concentration levels Irritability Muscle tension Increased risk for suicide Drug abuse

Diagnoses Diagnoses of Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents tends to be difficult Based on numerous tests and evaluation Diagnoses generally made by child psychologist or psychiatrist

Physical Exam-to rule out ulcers, asthma, thyroid problems Observation and talking Family medical history Questions on intake of substances such as smoking and coffee

Coping/Treatment Facing and dealing with fears directly ◦Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Relaxation techniques ◦Breathing and sleep exercises Group therapy to increase confidence ◦Allows adolescents to share feelings and relate to each other

Cognitive- behavioral Therapy- (CBT) ◦Helps adolescents sort through feelings Drug therapy- antidepressants ◦Helps allow adolescents to deal with the high stress levels

References Compton, L. (2008). social anxiety disorder. RelayHealth. Mufson, M.J. (2006). Anxiety in children and teenagers. Harvard: (Harvard)/Staywell. Inc. Sahley, B. (2007). ADULT -- TEEN A.D.D. MMRC Health Educator Reports, 1-2. Retrieved from Alt HealthWatch database. McNamara, D. (2003, September). Anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders have many facets in youths: distinguish from ordinary anxiety., 31(9), 34. Simon, H., & Zieve, D. (2009). ANXIETY DISORDERS. Anxiety Annual Report, Retrieved from Health Source - Consumer Edition database. Pictures Courtesy of Google Images