All children experience anxiety during adolescence. Adolescence is a time when children are stuck between wanting independence and wanting the security and protection of their parents. It is normal for an adolescent to worry about friends or grades, but when the worries and fears interfere with normal daily functioning, it is time to seek medical advice from a qualified mental health professional or a child and adolescent psychiatrist.
Excessive Worries and Fears
Adolescents with anxiety may excessively worry about things that are not in their control, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. They may feel inadequate around other people. Anxious adolescents may worry that other people will not like them or talk to them because they are not as attractive or smart as their peers. When these children become afraid of something, they may obsess about it or go out of their way to avoid it. Adolescents with anxiety often have multiple phobias (unrealistic or exaggerated fears of certain objects, activities or situations that in reality present little to no danger). An adolescent who is deathly afraid of heights may experience an anxiety attack when asked to ride a roller coaster at a theme park.
Feelings of Apprehension or Dread
HelpGuide.org states that anxious adolescents may feel that something horrible is about to happen to them. These children cannot shake feelings of dread because it consumes them. Adolescents with anxiety avoid making long-term plans because they believe that something will happen to cancel their plans. These adolescents often appear tense, jumpy and irritable--always fearing the worst. In addition, anxious adolescents may believe they must be on guard at all times because they are constantly in danger.
Problems in School
Anxious adolescents tend to do poorly in school. These children have a hard time concentrating and focusing on schoolwork because they are consumed with anxiety. These adolescents may feel like they cannot remember answers to questions in class. Feelings of being unable to answer questions or do well in school may cause feelings of overwhelming panic, hot flashes or chills and nausea or stomach cramps. These children may become restless and distracted in class, which may lead to poor grades. In addition, adolescents with anxiety may obsess over making friends at school and fitting in among classmates.
Low Self-Esteem
Adolescents with anxiety may need endless reassurance about their performance, according to MayoClinic.com. These adolescents tend to have low self-esteem and low self-confidence. They may feel they don't measure up to other children. Anxious adolescents tend to be perfectionist and very critical of themselves if they make a mistake. These children strive for approval and will redo a task multiple times until they feel the work is perfect.
Muscle Tension and Aches
Common symptoms of anxiety in adolescents are muscle tension and aches, according to MayoClinic.com. These children tend to tense up easily, constantly strive for approval and feel extreme stress, which leads to numerous aches and pains. An anxious adolescent may regularly complain of headaches, stomachaches or pain in his muscles even when the cause is undetermined.
Erratic Behavior
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that adolescents with anxiety may be withdrawn or they may engage in risky behaviors. Some anxious adolescents are extremely shy and prefer to be alone or in the company of one or two people. Other anxious adolescents may try to push their fears and worries out of their mind by engaging in risky behaviors such as drug abuse or promiscuity. When these adolescents become overwhelmed with anxiety, they may avoid their usual activities or refuse to engage in new experiences preferring old routines and familiar friends. These adolescents may appear too restrained one minute and overly emotional the next.
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are a common symptom of adolescent anxiety, according to TeensHealth, a website from the Nemours Foundation. Adolescents experiencing a panic attack may appear flushed, sweat profusely, hyperventilate, shake and tremble or startle easily. Panic attacks may appear for no reason and may cause the adolescent to have an accelerated heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness and numbness. An adolescent experiencing a panic attack may suddenly start to sweat profusely and shake uncontrollably.
Trouble Sleeping
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, anxious adolescents may have trouble sleeping. These children may experience terrifying nightmares, or they may wake up several times a night and have a hard time falling back to sleep. Some anxious adolescents may have difficulty falling asleep because their mind is constantly racing with the things that are worrying them. In addition, anxious adolescents may have trouble sleeping away from home fearing that they may die in their sleep or something may happen to their family while they are away.
