Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in Adolescents

According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. Anxiety disorders often develop in adolescence or early adulthood.

Features

• Anxiety disorders are characterized by irrational, sometimes persistent, fear and worry that are unnecessary or out of proportion to everyday life events.

Identification

• Anxiety disorder symptoms in adolescents include fear of social situations, obsessive thoughts, irrational fears, excessive worrying, panic attacks, restlessness, distractibility and trouble sleeping.

Types

• Several types of anxiety disorders in adolescents can occur, including social anxiety, phobia, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

Considerations

• Teens who are feeling stressed, anxious, worried or fearful should talk with a school counselor or therapist to glean tips for managing stress and also get checked for an anxiety disorder.

Misconceptions

• Teens are known for being moody and cynical at times, but it is important to watch for signs of serious underlying problems that are persistent and may become life-threatening. Anxiety disorders are often accompanied by depression and should be treated with counseling and sometimes medication.