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It’s normal for teens to worry sometimes. The teenage years are filled with several biological changes, transitions, and new responsibilities that put added pressure on teens. However, if the worry feels out of control, becomes unmanageable, or impacts their daily functioning, this could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges reported by teens. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, 1 in 3 teens will experience any anxiety disorder throughout their development. One of the most common is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) [1]. Read on to understand what generalized anxiety disorder is in teens, how to spot the warning signs, and common treatment approaches to support teens’ recovery.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by uncontrollable worry, fear, and tension. It differs from regular anxiety, which is a natural response to stress or threatening situations. Around 8% of US teens ages 13 to 18 have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder [1]. While typical anxiety is often linked to specific situations, GAD often lacks a clear trigger. It’s normal for teens with generalized anxiety disorder to feel worry or heightened tension, even if no stressors are present. According to the DSM-5, to meet the criteria for GAD, patients must have excessive anxiety about several activities and events (e.g., school, relationships, work) occurring most days for at least 6 months. Anxiety must cause significant distress or impair functioning and cannot be accounted for by a medical problem or substance abuse. It also must present with at least three of the following symptoms [2]:- Restlessness, unease, or agitation
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Disturbed sleep
- Feeling socially accepted
- Past behaviors
- Future events
- Academic or sports performance
- Meeting the expectations of others
- Personal abilities or skillsets
Signs and Symptoms
Generalized anxiety disorder can impact a teen’s psychological development, physical health, and emotional well-being. It’s important to recognize warning signs as early as possible so you can help your teen get treatment. Common warning signs include:| Physical | Emotional | Behavioral |
| Stomach problems (nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea) | Feelings of dread, worry, or nervousness | Constantly seeking reassurance |
| Headaches or migraines | Irritability or aggression | Trouble falling or staying asleep |
| Muscle or joint pain | Low self-esteem | Changes in appetite, such as overeating or not eating enough |
| Shaking, trembling, or sweats | Pessiminism, negative perception of themselves or others | Nail biting, skin picking, or constant fidgeting |
| Increased heart rate or blood pressure | Chronic feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment | Procrastination or avoiding tasks altogether |
Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Teens
A combination of biological, psychological, and social factors can increase the risk of a teen developing generalized anxiety disorder. These include:- Family history of anxiety
- Negative life events
- Differences in the way threats are perceived
- Development and personality
What is Contributing to the Rise of Anxiety in Teens Today?
As the number of teens with anxiety has grown over the past decade, researchers are exploring other contributing factors that could increase the rates of generalized anxiety disorder. In addition to common causes such as genetics, brain chemistry, and personality, parents should consider the following:- Social Media: Over 90% of teens report using social media daily. They are consuming content at rates never seen before, some of which can impact their self-esteem, world views and contribute to their anxiety. It’s important to teach teens how to unplug and develop healthy digital practices to support their mental health [3].
- Current Events: The world can feel scary and threatening to teens. There has been an increase in school shootings, the constant threat of climate change (also known as climate anxiety), a worldwide pandemic, and other social events that have deeply impacted the mental health of youth [4].
- High Expectations: Today’s youth may feel extra pressure to succeed in ways previous generations did not due to factors such as standardized testing and a culture of achievement. Research asked students if they feel overwhelmed by what they have to do— in 2000, 28% of students answered “yes,” and in 2015, that number had risen to 41% [5].
Coping Strategies for Generalized Anxiety
There are several ways teens can cope with their anxiety at home that can reduce symptoms and help manage feelings of distress. Some helpful coping strategies for teens with generalized anxiety include:- Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or yoga
- Art projects such as painting, sculpting, drawing or sketching
- Listening to music, podcasts, or watching a movie
- Talking with a family member, friend, or someone in their trusted circle about how they are feeling
- Getting daily movement such as going on a walk, dancing, or playing a sport
- Cuddling or playing with their pet
Common Treatment Approaches
There are a few commonly used evidence-based treatments that can help teens reduce symptoms of GAD. Some of these include:- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps teens challenge negative and often irrational thought patterns that fuel anxiety. It also teaches them positive coping skills to reduce their symptoms.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapy that helps teens accept their anxious thoughts without judgment. It also teaches them to live in the present and overcome negative emotions that arise in the moment.
- Anti-anxiety medications are sometimes used in conjunction with therapy to help reduce symptoms such as disturbed sleep or changes in appetite. Common medications that may be prescribed for GAD include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or, in severe cases, benzodiazepines (however, these tend to be avoided for use with teens due to their risk of addiction).
Treating Teen Anxiety Disorders in Texas
At Clearfork Academy, our team of licensed mental health professionals understands the complex nature of anxiety disorders in teens. We offer comprehensive mental health support, such as residential treatment and intensive outpatient programs, to help teens build coping skills for positive mental health outcomes. Contact our admissions team today to see how we can support your teen.Sources
[1] Any Anxiety Disorder. 2023. National Institue of Mental Health. [2] Generalized Anxiety Disorder. 2023. MSD Manual. [3] Teens, Social Media and Technology. 2022. Pew Research Center. [4] A Majority of U.S. teens fear a shooting could happen at their school. 2018. Pew Research Center. [5] The American Freshman 50-Year Trends. 2015. Cooperative Institutional Research Program. UCLA.
Alumni Relations Manager
Mike grew up on a dairy farm in Parker County, Texas. At the age of 59, he went back to college and graduated 41 years after his first graduation from Weatherford College. God placed on his heart at that time the passion to begin to help others as they walked from addictions, alcoholism, and abuse of substances. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and in the past few years he has worn many hats, from intake and assessment, group counseling, individual and family counseling, intensive outpatient and now he is working with clients, therapist, and families on discharge planning and aftercare. He also coordinates our Alumni Outreach Program.
