Teens who have a anxiety disorder might display symptoms of physical pain, nervousness and fatigue, and they might be easily startled, shy and uneasy, notes the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or AACAP. Having isolating behaviors along with an anxiety disorder could add clues as to the focus of future treatment.
Basics
To begin treating a teenager, a mental health professional will do a full evaluation of the situation within the family, at the teen's school and of the teen, notes the AACAP. A physician might be asked to rule out any medical causes that are contributing to the teen's anxiety.
Considerations
When treating a teen who is suffering from an anxiety disorder and isolating behaviors, it is important to keep in mind that the isolation could be a symptom of depression. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, it is not uncommon for a person suffering from an anxiety disorder also to be diagnosed with depression. In order to effectively treat an anxiety disorder in a teen, it is important to determine if the isolation should be treated purely as an anxiety, fear or phobia or as a symptom of depression. These specifications will help make the treatment process more effective.
Treatment
A mental health professional treating a teenager with an anxiety disorder and isolation will use a combination of psychotherapies and medication. The therapist will rule out any lifestyle factors that might be contributing to the anxiety disorder and the teen's need to isolate. Psychotherapy will focus on reducing the teen's symptoms and relieving the negative consequences they have on her life, notes the AACAP. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used to treat teenage anxiety because it helps the teen understand her fears and challenge them. Also, family therapy is often useful in helping family members make changes that will aid the teen through the treatment process.
Significance
The tendency of the teen to isolate himself will only perpetuate the disorder. During the treatment process, the teen should be encouraged by his therapist and parents to begin engaging in activities with others. Parents should reach out to the teen and spend time with him, talking and getting involved in activities. Finding a club, sports team or volunteer organization to join should be a part of the treatment process. Challenging the isolation will help keep the teen from focusing on his anxiety and will therefore reduce the symptoms.
Warning
When a teenager is experiencing an anxiety disorder, she might feel overwhelmed by everything in her life and believe she is no longer able to cope or handle what is going on. If this is the case, the risk of suicide or self-harming behaviors will increase. If the teen is isolating herself it will be harder for parents, teachers and friends to notice the potential signs of suicide. Therefore, it becomes extremely important that these teens be watched and evaluated for displays of suicidal behaviors. The teen's therapist or police should be contacted immediately if there are any indications of suicidal tendencies.
