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Risk Factors for Adolescent Anxiety

Since anxiety among teenagers is becoming a significant concern, identifying the risk factors is crucial in developing effective prevention strategies and support systems for our young people.

Mental Health Outcomes: The Long-term Impacts

Research highlights that teens with anxiety disorders are at a heightened risk of facing a myriad of mental health challenges later in life. A study by Woodward and Fergusson underscores this, showing a direct correlation between adolescent anxiety and future issues such as depression, substance dependence, and educational underachievement.

The Role of Family and Socioeconomic Status

Family dynamics and socioeconomic status play a critical role in the mental well-being of teenagers. Studies, including one by Dooley, Fitzgerald, and Giollabhui, have found that factors like parental mental health, family composition, and socioeconomic parameters significantly influence anxiety levels in adolescents.

Psychosocial Factors: Understanding the Adolescent Mind

The complex interplay of stress, personality traits, and early-life adversity can significantly impact a teen’s risk of developing anxiety disorders. Narmandakh, Roest, de Jonge, and Oldehinkel have shown that exposure to adverse life events, coupled with temperament factors such as frustration and low effortful control, substantially increases the risk of anxiety disorders.

"According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 11% of American children have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder."

Obesity and Physical Health: A Growing Concern

The link between physical health and mental well-being cannot be overstated. Anderson, Cohen, Naumova, Jacques, and Must have demonstrated that adolescent obesity is associated with an increased risk for depression and anxiety disorders, especially among females. This finding is critical in South Florida, where lifestyle and dietary habits may contribute to higher obesity rates among teens, underscoring the importance of promoting physical activity and healthy eating.

Stress and Trauma: The Hidden Culprits

Living through stressful or traumatic events can leave a lasting imprint on a teenager’s mental health. Turner and Lloyd have documented the causal relationship between high levels of lifetime exposure to adversity and the onset of depressive and anxiety disorders.

Anxiety Sensitivity: A Precursor to Anxiety Disorders

The concept of anxiety sensitivity, or the fear of anxiety-related sensations, has been identified as a significant risk factor for developing anxiety symptoms and disorders. Research by Schmidt, Keough, Mitchell, Reynolds, MacPherson, Zvolensky, and Lejuez highlights the importance of identifying and addressing anxiety sensitivity early, particularly in educational settings, to prevent the onset of anxiety disorders among teens.

As we continue to learn more about the multifaceted risk factors for teen anxiety, we can anticipate the development of targeted interventions and support systems that address these factors. By acknowledging these risk factors and implementing holistic prevention strategies, we can create a more supportive environment for our youth to thrive in the future. It is exciting to think about the positive impact these efforts can have on our young people’s mental health and well-being.

References

  •         Anderson, S., Cohen, P., Naumova, E. N., Jacques, P. F., & Must, A. (2007). Adolescent obesity and risk for subsequent major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder: Prospective evidence. Psychosomatic Medicine, 69, 740-747.
  •         Dooley, B., Fitzgerald, A., & Giollabhui, N. M. (2015). The risk and protective factors associated with depression and anxiety in a national sample of Irish adolescents. Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 32, 93-105.
  •         Narmandakh, A., Roest, A. M., de Jonge, P., & Oldehinkel, A. J. (2020). Psychosocial and biological risk factors of anxiety disorders in adolescents: a TRAILS report. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 30, 1969-1982.
  •         Schmidt, N. B., Keough, M. E., Mitchell, M. A., Reynolds, E. K., MacPherson, L., Zvolensky, M. J., & Lejuez, C. W. (2010). Anxiety sensitivity: Prospective prediction of anxiety among early adolescents. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 24(5), 503-508.
  •         Turner, R. J., & Lloyd, D. A. (2004). Stress burden and the lifetime incidence of psychiatric disorder in young adults: Racial and ethnic contrasts. Archives of General Psychiatry, 61(5), 481-488.
  •         Woodward, L. J., & Fergusson, D. M. (2001). Life course outcomes of young people with anxiety disorders in adolescence. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(9), 1086-1093.
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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.