2. Chris Lentner, M.A., C.A.G.S. Licensed School Psychologist Middle School Counselor (Grades 7.1, 7.4, 7.5, 8)

3.  Medical Definition:  A multisystem response to a perceived threat  The result of personal history and memory, biochemical changes in the body, and social situation  Anxiety is a uniquely human experience  Involves an ability to use memory and imagination to move backward and forward in time What is Anxiety?

4.  Fear  Fright  ANXIETY Is Anxiety the Same as Fear?

5. AA nxiety is a normal part of life CC hildhood: First day of school AA dolescence: Presentations AA dulthood: Job Interviews And then there’s the BIG one… DATING! We All Experience Anxiety!

6.  Anxiety is often the result of a frightening or traumatic situation  Stems from unpredictability / lack of control  Initial fear followed by lingering worry, concern, and dread when thinking about similar situations  Genetics  STRESS can trigger anxiety and panic attacks  Work, school, relationships, finances, illness, natural disasters Causes

7.  A defense reaction for self-preservation  Chemicals released into the bloodstream  Heightened awareness, increased pulse rate  Can be beneficial or harmful Fight or Flight Response

8. Physical  Shortness of breath  Dizziness  Muscle aches / tension  Sweating  Headache  Diarrhea  Nausea Symptoms

9. Psychological  Persistent state of apprehension  Nervousness  Intense and sudden feelings of panic  Feelings of losing control or going crazy  Irrational / unrealistic fears  Constant feeling of being overwhelmed  Depression Symptoms

10. Behavioral  Avoidance of people, places, and situations  Problems sleeping  Difficulty concentrating  Irritability / anger outbursts  Withdrawal  Dramatic mood swings  Eating issues  Excessive clinginess Symptoms

11.  Crying or having a tantrums before going to school  Having an upset stomach before tests  Wanting to stay home sick when they are not really sick  Avoiding school-related assignments (procrastination)  Not wanting to participate in class  Worrying about what others are going to think  “Freezing” when taking tests  Perfectionism How Anxiety Can Manifest Itself In Adolescents

12. Childhood Anxiety Comes in Many Different Forms SS eparation Anxiety Disorder OO veranxious Disorder / Generalized Anxiety Disorder AA voidant Personality Disorder PP hobic disorders PP ost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) OO bsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) PP anic Disorder AA nxiety associated with medical conditions SS ubstance-induced anxiety disorder Types of Anxiety Disorders In Children

13. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV TR)  Excessive anxiety and worry about a number of events or activities occurring more days than not for at least 6 months  Significant difficulty in controlling the worry  The presence of 3 or more of the following symptoms for most days over the previous six months:  Feeling wound-up, tense or restless  Easily becoming fatigued or worn-out  Concentration problems  Irritability  Significant tension in muscles  Difficulty sleeping Diagnosis

14. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV TR)  Symptoms cannot be part of another mental disorder, nor can they be due to a substance or medical issue  The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or problems functioning in daily life Diagnosis (Continued)

15.  Cognitive Behavior Therapy  A-B-C Format  Behavior Diary  Gradual Exposure  Relaxation Techniques  Deep Breathing  Progressive Muscle Relaxation  Yoga / meditation  Strengths-Based Approaches  Exercise, sleep, reduce caffeine  Medication Treatment

16.  Predictability and consistency  Routines  Structure  Follow-through  Modeling  Encourage risk-taking  Reduce emphasis on success vs. failure  Increase emphasis on attempt and process  Identify and talk about feelings  Challenge irrational statements What Can We (Parents) Do?

17. Face Your Fears

18. Questions?