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.
What are the red flags?
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?
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?
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?
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
Services
Attention difficultiesService
AnxietyService
ADHDService
AutismService
Behaviour problemsService
DepressionService
Bipolar disorderService
Sleep problemsService
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
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