What Are the Causes of Teenage Anxiety?

Anxiety is a common disorder in teenagers. Symptoms range from mood swings to headaches and fatigue. Many teens experience these symptoms at one point or another due to the many changes during puberty; however, when these symptoms become long-standing, it takes the form of a disorder. The causes of teen anxiety vary depending on the individual.

Biological

• Like other forms of mental illnesses, teen anxiety can often be hereditary. Genetic disposition makes some teens more prone to suffer the disorder than others.

Environment

• Environmental factors that were present in the teen's childhood, such as anxious parents and vicarious learning of anxiety, can lead to an anxiety disorder later in life.

Evolution

• The rise in teen anxiety may also be the result of a natural evolution. Generally, social phobias are related, and a response, to the changes in society.

Unconscious Component

• A traumatic event which has been displaced can return in the form of unexplained anxious behaviors. The traumatic teen who has psychologically "forgotten" the event can exhibit anxiety as a defense mechanism of coping.

Pressure

• Stress is especially high during the teen years. Teens experience all forms of pressure from society, school, sport teams, parents and peers. The overwhelming stress can often lead to panic.