Anxiety Disorder Treatment

OCD and Anxiety programs

Today, anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric illnesses in younger people. These disorders are more common in girls than are boys and range from a generalized fear of social groups to anxiety that is so paralyzing, the boy/girl can no longer leave the home. Often, such disorders are extremely mystifying and difficult for parents to understand. However, instructing a young person or adolescent to “get over it” or “just suck it up” is not a wise course of action; it rarely works. Just as with a physical illness or injury, such as a broken leg, the expertise of a physician or counselor should be sought.

The first step is outpatient therapy. Depending on whether the family takes their daughter to a therapist or psychiatrist, the professional may utilize medication, specialized cognitive or behavioral techniques, play therapy, family therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Although outpatient treatment can prove effective, if it does not render positive results, then more intensive treatment may be indicated. In addition, if a family lives where no outpatient therapy exists for young people with anxiety disorders, inpatient treatment is usually recommended.

If left untreated, a child can experience: low self esteem and damaged sense of identity; frequent school absences and increased risk of dropping out; impaired social development and problems with peers and dating; eating disorders; self-harm; and heightened risk of alcohol and substance abuse.

The bottom line is this: anxiety disorders rarely go away on their own; indeed, if help is not sought, there is a strong possibility that the disorder will worsen. A child with general anxiety disorder could grow into an adult with panic attacks, phobias, and episodes of depression. This may eventually lead to a diagnosis of major depression, or interfere with education or ability to keep a job. In addition, many anxious adolescents and adults develop addictions to drugs or alcohol as they try to "medicate" their anxiety symptoms and find calm.

The immediate and long-term consequences for a girl can be enormous, to say nothing of the impact on the entire family. A child suffering with an anxiety disorder can place tremendous stress on a marriage. What’s more, if 1 child is suffering, it will be that child that the family focuses on and to whom parents give the majority of their time and energy. Consider how the sibling will feel: left out, unloved, less important. And if a parent has a hard time understanding the girl’s disorder, imagine a young sibling, observing the sister getting incredible attention because she is afraid? Not only is severe anxiety difficult for a young person who does not suffer from it to understand, but it can lead to teasing and ridicule from siblings in the home. If anything, this will only serve to exacerbate the humiliation and low self esteem already associated with the disorder.

Learn more about eating disorder treatment as well.