What is an anxiety disorder?
All children and teens sometimes experience anxious feelings as a normal part of life. But nervousness, worry, or fear that doesn't go away in a reasonable amount of time can cause significant distress. When persistent anxiety interferes with your child's ability to function in daily life, it could indicate an anxiety disorder.
Many different types of anxiety disorders affect adolescents and young adults. Many of these focus on a specific trigger or set of symptoms, such as:
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Specific phobias
- Separation anxiety
Generalized anxiety disorder describes overwhelming anxiety that arises without an apparent cause.
What causes anxiety?
A combination of factors leads to anxiety disorders. Genetics, individual temperament, life events, and brain chemistry can contribute to anxiety.
What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety in children and teens?
Children and teens with anxiety feel worried, scared, or helpless almost every day. Your child might have an anxiety disorder if they exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
- Avoiding school and social situations
- Problems separating from parents
- Difficulty talking to people or making new friends
- Lack of confidence
- Poor self-esteem
- Sleep disturbances
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach aches
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Trembling
Untreated anxiety can affect your child's ability to learn and succeed in school, friendships, family life, and more.
How can anxiety be treated?
To address anxiety, the team at OCEC Foundation creates personalized treatment plans using evidence-based techniques during in-patient programs.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individual therapy, and other therapy options help your child understand the underlying thoughts and feelings that make them feel nervous and fearful. In some cases, medication helps relieve anxiety symptoms while addressing the cause in therapy.
All patients in residence at OCEC Foundation receive services 24/7 to ensure they have the support they need to recover from debilitating anxiety. Children and adolescents also receive holistic care, including nutritional guidance and mindfulness coaching.
The OCEC Foundation team works with parents and families to improve communication, build support systems, and address any anxiety-related issues in the home.
LGBTQ+ individuals and patients from all cultural identities and economic backgrounds are welcome to participate in treatment programs at OCEC Foundation.
To find out how residential treatment at OCEC Foundation can free your child from excessive anxiety, call the office today, or request an appointment online.
