Anxiety

It is normal for young people to feel worried about different things at different ages from time to time. But many young people come to see me when this affects their well-being and interferes with their school, family, and/or social life namely disorder.

dr-regina-sala-consultant-psychiatrist-service-anxiety-portrait-01

What are the red flags?

svg-image

There are a number of red flags that you and/or your child might notice including:

Attention difficulties 

Quickly getting angry or irritable and being out of control during outbursts 

Constantly worrying and/or have negative thoughts 

Feeling tense and fidgety

being tearful and/or clingy

Low self-esteem and/or lack confidence 

Avoiding everyday activities

Sleep and/or eating problems 

Physical complaints such as stomachaches, headaches


What are the types of anxiety disorders?

svg-image

It can present in many different forms:

Separation anxiety disorder: affects younger children when they don’t outgrow the fear of being apart from a parent/carer

Separation anxiety disorder: affects younger children when they don’t outgrow the fear of being apart from a parent/carer

Generalized anxiety disorder: causes young people to worry almost every day and over several things

Social anxiety disorder: causes young people to feel too afraid of what others will think or say

Selective mutism: an extreme form of social anxiety that causes young people to be so afraid that they don’t talk

Specific phobia: extreme and long-lasting fear of a specific thing

Panic disorder: causes by regularly and sudden attacks of panic or fear

Post-traumatic stress disorder: causes constant, scary thoughts and memories of a past event including nightmares or flashbacks


Why this is happening?

svg-image

Things that happen in a young person's life can be stressful and difficult to cope with such as:

Loss, serious illness or death of a loved one

Family difficulties such as parent’s divorce

School-related issues like exams or bullying

A traumatic life event such as being abused or neglected, the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Learned behaviour growing up in a family where others are fearful or anxious

Not all young people will be affected in the same way by these events, so it is not unusual for only one sibling to develop anxiety following a stressful family event, each child is unique and will cope with stressful situations in different ways.

In addition, some young people may also have depression and those older may misuse drugs or alcohol.

What is my approach?

svg-image

As a first step, I will carry a thorough evaluation with you and/or your child. Screening questionnaires, physical examination or liaison with other professionals and school will be provided if you wish.

Once the condition(s) is identified, I will develop a personalized treatment plan jointly with you and/or your child based on personal needs. The treatment will include an integrated approach to achieve optimal wellbeing.

This can include:

Information and support to better understand and cope (psychoeducation)

Person-centred talking therapies

Mindfulness-based therapy which focuses on being aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment

Tailored learning techniques and/or behaviour learning plan with school when appropriate

Empower parents through positive parenting techniques 

Promote a healthy lifestyle through sleep, diet, exercise and/or supplements

Medication when appropriate

dr-regina-sala-consultant-psychiatrist-logo-full-01

55 Harley Street, London W1G 8QR
Monday to Friday 8.30 am – 6 pm

Appointments: 020 3488 8555

Fax: 020 3745 0225
Email: enquiries@londonpsychiatry.clinic

dr-regina-sala-royal-college-of-psychiatrists-logo-1
file-16238-c06851b8f6cf498bb25b1381ef28afa6
LPC_logo_full_gray

Website designed & built by Gareth Paul Jones Studio
© 2022 Dr Regina Sala. Privacy Notice. Cookies Policy.