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Signs & Symptoms of Teen Anxiety

Recognizing signs and symptoms of teenage anxiety is the first step towards managing it effectively. Let’s explore what teens and their caregivers need to know.

Stressful Life Events and Mental Processes

Research highlights that stressful life events, such as family conflicts, academic pressures, or health-related fears, can significantly contribute to the development of anxiety symptoms in teenagers. A study by Young and Dietrich found that stressful life events, along with worry and rumination, were predictive of both depressive and anxiety symptoms.

"As teenagers go through various challenges, it's important to understand that stress management and mental health promotion are critical for their overall well-being. We need to offer them tailored interventions that could help them cope better and navigate these challenges with ease."

 

Anxiety Sensitivity

Anxiety sensitivity, or the fear of the physiological sensations associated with anxiety (e.g., heart palpitations), is a concept gaining attention. According to McLaughlin and Hatzenbuehler, stressful life events can increase anxiety sensitivity, which in turn, can escalate anxiety symptoms. This highlights the importance of interventions that address anxiety sensitivity directly, teaching teens strategies to cope with and reinterpret these physical sensations in less threatening ways.

The Spectrum of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in teenagers can manifest through a variety of symptoms, including persistent worry, physical complaints, and a need for reassurance. Masi et al. emphasize the heavy symptomatic burden and frequent comorbidity with other disorders, pointing to the necessity of comprehensive mental health assessments for teenagers exhibiting signs of GAD.

Developmental Course of Anxiety Symptoms

The trajectory of anxiety symptoms from late childhood through adolescence is not linear. Oort et al. describe a pattern where anxiety symptoms initially decrease, level off, and then potentially increase from middle to late adolescence. This suggests a window of opportunity for early intervention during early adolescence, aiming to alter the developmental course of anxiety symptoms.

The Role of Peer Relations

Adolescent peer relations, friendships, and romantic relationships significantly impact teenagers’ mental health. La Greca and Harrison found that high-status peer affiliations and positive friendship qualities could protect against social anxiety. In contrast, relational victimization and negative interactions predicted higher levels of anxiety and depression. These findings underscore the importance of nurturing positive peer relationships and addressing bullying and victimization as part of comprehensive mental health strategies for teens.

It is essential to identify the signs and symptoms of anxiety in teenagers so that appropriate intervention can be provided in a timely and effective manner. Supporting teenagers with anxiety involves managing their stress levels, recognizing anxiety sensitivity, addressing specific symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and promoting positive peer relationships. 

References

  •         Karevold, E., Røysamb, E., Ystrom, E., & Mathiesen, K. (2009). Predictors and pathways from infancy to symptoms of anxiety and depression in early adolescence. Developmental Psychology, 45(4), 1051-1060.
  •         Kashani, J. H., & Orvaschel, H. (1990). A community study of anxiety in children and adolescents. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 147(3), 313-318.
  •         Kendall, P., Compton, S., Walkup, J., Birmaher, B., Albano, A., Sherrill, J., Ginsburg, G. S., Rynn, M., McCracken, J., Gosch, E. A., Keeton, C. P., Bergman, L., Sakolsky, D., Suveg, C., Iyengar, S., March, J., & Piacentini, J. (2010). Clinical characteristics of anxiety disordered youth. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 24(3), 360-365.
  •         Kouros, C. D., Quasem, S., & Garber, J. (2013). Dynamic temporal relations between anxious and depressive symptoms across adolescence. Development and Psychopathology, 25, 683-697.
  •         La Greca, A., & Harrison, H. (2005). Adolescent peer relations, friendships, and romantic relationships: Do they predict social anxiety and depression? Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 34, 49-61.
  •         McLaughlin, K., & Hatzenbuehler, M. (2009). Stressful life events, anxiety sensitivity, and internalizing symptoms in adolescents. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 118(3), 659-669.
  •         Masi, G., Millepiedi, S., Mucci, M., Poli, P., Bertini, N., & Milantoni, L. (2004). Generalized anxiety disorder in referred children and adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 43(6), 752-760.
  •         Oort, F., Greaves-Lord, K., Verhulst, F., Ormel, J., & Huizink, A. (2009). The developmental course of anxiety symptoms during adolescence: The TRAILS study. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines, 50(10), 1209-1217.
  •         Puskar, K., Sereika, S., & Haller, L. (2003). Anxiety, somatic complaints, and depressive symptoms in rural adolescents. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 16(3), 102-111.
  •         Voltas, N., Hernández-Martínez, C., Arija, V., & Canals, J. (2017). The natural course of anxiety symptoms in early adolescence: factors related to persistence. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 30, 671-686.
  •         Woodward, L., & Fergusson, D. (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.
  •         Young, C., & Dietrich, M. (2015). Stressful life events, worry, and rumination predict depressive and anxiety symptoms in young adolescents. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 28(1), 35-42.
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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.