Anxiety and Panic Disorder in Teens

What Is Anxiety Disorder?

Teen anxiety is a common mental health struggle caused by constant worrying, stress, and fear. All teens experience anxiety at times, such as before taking a test or trying to make new friends. Although, some experience it more severely and frequently than others. And while anxiety affects people of all ages, teenagers struggle with it the most. There are numerous anxiety disorders. Yet, in general, they all involve excessive worry, fear, nervousness, and/or dread. This affects mental health, well-being, and daily functioning.

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Types of Anxiety Disorders

What is Panic Disorder

Signs of a Panic Attack

Causes of Anxiety and Panic Disorders

How to Help During a Panic Attack

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Teenagers with generalized anxiety disorder experience overwhelming worry disproportionate to the situation or event. Teens with GAD also tend to have fears about the future.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Teens with social anxiety disorder experience intense fear of social situations. Most teenagers feel some level of worry about socializing. Although, those with social anxiety disorder struggle significantly more on a daily basis. These factors are frequently missed in terms of diagnosis.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Teenagers with PTSD have, in most cases, lived through a catastrophic or traumatic event (i.e., natural disaster, school shooting, car crash, abuse, etc.). Teenagers with post-traumatic stress disorder may or may not involve flashbacks (which are common in adults with PTSD). Yet, teens often believe that there were “signs” indicating the trauma was going to happen. This tends to make these individuals hypervigilant. They are constantly looking for another “sign” (to avoid future trauma).

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This means teens with OCD tend to excessively ruminate or worry about any number of things. In response to the worry, these individuals feel compelled to act on a particular behavior. This is how they compensate or counterbalance the worry.

What Is a Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is considered an anxiety disorder. It is a serious mental illness that can cause sudden, uncontrollable panic attacks. Not all people who experience panic attacks have panic disorder. Some people experience panic attacks when they encounter a specific, identified fear (i.e.,, heights, spiders, etc.) Individuals with panic disorder experience panic attacks independent of an explicit trigger.

What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?

Some physical symptoms include:

Difficulty breathing
Racing heartbeat
Dizziness
Hot and/or cold flashes

Nausea
Shaking or trembling
Tingling and/or numbness of fingers and toes
Difficulty swallowing

What Causes Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Although anyone can suffer from panic attacks, there are some contributing factors that increase one’s risk of developing anxiety and panic disorders, such as:

Family History

Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. If you or a family member suffers from anxiety and/or panic disorder, there is a greater chance your teen will struggle with a panic disorder. Numerous studies show a strong correlation between a parent or caretaker’s fears and those of their child/children. There is an argument that this could be connected to behaviors that are learned, or a genetically inherited trait.

Social Factors

Research indicates children and teens have, in general, had a significant rise in anxiety levels over the past two decades, perhaps due to the technological age. Individuals experience a lack of social connectedness and are, thus, more socially alienated.

Trauma

Anxiety and panic can be triggered by traumatic events experienced earlier in life. Trauma can refer to many things. In terms of anxiety, teens who have experienced trauma in relation to spousal abuse, child abuse, or other distressing situations that threaten family integrity, can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. Residential treatment can be a beneficial option for teens who have experienced trauma.

Gender

Statistics show girls and women are twice as likely to struggle with anxiety disorders than boys and men. There are numerous factors that support this hypothesis, none of which have been proven.

Age

Anxiety disorders around social interaction, such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorders, are commonly diagnosed in adolescent and teenage years.

Residential treatment programs are a beneficial option for adolescents and teens, providing a structured environment with individualized treatment plans that incorporate clinical care, experiential therapies, and educational support.

Helping During a Panic Attack

Being present during another person’s panic attack can be scary and overwhelming. This is especially true if it is your child. If your teen experiences a sudden rise of anxiety that results in a panic attack, there are things you can do to help them manage this frightening experience, including:

Dynamic Treatment Options

Whether they show it or not, teens often look to parents or caregivers during times of distress. Frequently, this is to ascertain how the adult is viewing their condition. This means if your teen is experiencing a panic attack and you react with significant concern and/or fear, you may be sending your child the message that the panic attack is an acute, or even dangerous situation. Thus, staying composed, taking deep breaths, and emanating a calm nature is vital.

Stick to the Facts

Having a panic attack can be very scary. Some people mistake the intense anxiety response of a panic attack for a heart attack. Therefore, it is so important for parents or caregivers to help their teen understand what is happening. Let them know they are not in any danger. Labeling the experience as a panic attack and describing that sometimes the body overreacts to anxious feelings can help reduce the intensity.

If Your Teen Suffers With Anxiety And/Or Panic Disorder, Contact Polaris At 1-844-836-0222 To Find Out More About Treatment Options And Therapies. Learn More About Our Treatment Team.

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If your teen suffers from anxiety and/or panic disorder, contact Polaris Residential Treatment Centers.

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