Anxiety In Teenagers Is On The Rise

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 1 in 3 teens between the ages of 13 and 18 may have an anxiety disorder. The number is increasing; Between 2007 and 2012, anxiety disorders in children and adolescents increased by 20%.

These statistics, combined with the fact that the rate of hospital admissions of adolescents who attempt suicide has also doubled in the past decade, leave us with alarming questions.

What's causing the rise in teens with severe anxiety? How did we get here?

What's going on? Although we don't know for sure, there are a number of factors that may be contributing. In addition to genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events, consider the following:

• High expectations and pressure to succeed . Between standardized tests and cultural achievement, today's youth feel pressure to succeed in other ways that previous generations did not. An annual survey conducted by "Higher Education Research" asks college freshmen if they feel overwhelmed with all they have to do. In 2016, 41% of students answered "yes," compared to 28% in 2000 and 18% in 1985.
• A world that seems frightening and threatening. We have seen an increase in school shootings, leading to drills and school closures or lockdowns . We have witnessed shootings in public places. There have been terrorist attacks here in the United States and around the world that have caused many loss of life. You only have to watch or read the news to know that many can feel afraid to be in public places where they previously felt safe.
• The social networks . Children and adolescents today are constantly connected to social networks. It is not surprising that their self-esteem and the way they see the world are connected to what is published (comments) on social networks. It's hard for them not to compare their life and social connections to what they see others post on social media.

There are also some children who have unexpected and disproportionate reactions to the normal development of experiences, such as going to school, going to a party, having a sleepover (overnight) or going to a camp; children who worry excessively about activities of daily living. This often happens in the years before puberty.

Whatever the cause, this increased anxiety is a real problem for our youth.

Chronic anxiety can lead to serious mental health problems, depression , substance use, and even suicide . It can interfere with the ability to focus and learn which can lead to problems in school, which can have a long-term impact. It can also cause physical problems, such as headaches, chronic pain, digestive problems, and heart disease later on.

Anxiety disorders cut across all demographic groups, suburban , urban, and rural. They affect those who attend college and those who don't.

This being the case, what can parents, teachers and all other people who interact with children and adolescents do?

• Be aware of the symptoms of anxiety . Sometimes kids can tell they are anxious, but other times it's not so clear, especially when they don't realize it themselves. The following are some signs:

1. Recurring fears and worries about parts of everyday routines.
2. Behavior changes, such as irritability.
3. Avoiding certain activities, school, or social interactions.
4. Dropping grades or skipping school.
5. Trouble sleeping or concentrating.
6. Substance use or other risk behaviors.
7. Complaints of physical problems, such as fatigue, headaches or stomachaches.

• Talk to children about possible stressors . Try to see the world the way they do, and help them keep perspective and find ways to cope.
• Be aware of the expectations you set for children and teens . Having high expectations can help children reach their potential, but they must be realistic. Not only that, but remember that children need time to relax, play and spend time with friends, all of these activities are crucial for their physical and mental health. And it's important for all of us to remember that there is more to life than accomplishments.
• Talk to kids about their use of social media . Help them take breaks, and help them think critically and rationally about the effect social media has on their lives. Try to see how you can connect with your teen about safe and appropriate media use.

The world is a place of many challenges.

As parents (or anyone who interacts with young people), you play a very important role in helping children navigate new challenges, foster coping strategies, and skills such as resilience that are necessary for them to adapt and face adversity.

If you notice signs of anxiety in your child or are concerned about something you are seeing in your child that may be related to anxiety, see your pediatrician.

What pediatricians do to detect anxiety in children:

During visits, whether during follow-up visits or appointments for other reasons, pediatricians ask questions about children's complaining physical problems, mood, behavior, and activities, as well as what's going on at school , at home and in other areas of life.

Pediatricians also use screening tools, such as a Children's Symptom Checker (PSC) that detects signs of certain mental health problems, including anxiety. Pediatricians also often make referrals to mental health professionals for further evaluation of children when there is concern.

Anxiety can be treated!

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 80% of children who can be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder go untreated, and the anxiety responds very well to treatment! As with most problems, the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

The most effective treatments for anxiety disorders are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medications (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

• CBT focuses on changing how the child thinks about their fear, increasing exposure to these fearful situations, and relaxation strategies, such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and positive self-talk (repeating positive or affirming phrases about yourself). same). Exposure therapy, a type of CBT that focuses on presenting more opportunities to face fearful objects or activities.
• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) - frequently prescribed antidepressants, are the most common medication used to treat anxiety disorders in children.

Studies have found that a combination of CBT and medication for 12 weeks produces a positive response in 80% of children with anxiety disorders. In fact, 65% of these children had no or very few symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment. With CBT alone, 60% had positive responses, about 35% of those children with no or very few anxiety symptoms. However, it is important to note that SSRI medications can be administered safely and can be an important part of treating a child's anxiety disorder.

As with any mental disorder, anything that supports general well-being is an important part of anxiety disorder treatment; regular sleep patterns, exercise, meditation, relaxation apps, and yoga can all help. However, these measures cannot replace CBT or medication.

The most important thing is to be aware and attentive to your child's mental health, ask questions and ask for help!