Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Westfield & Wall Township
Creating a Calmer Life for Kids
Anxiety disorders are perhaps the most common mental health condition among minors. Indeed, data from the CDC indicates that about 1 in 12 children and 1 in 4 adolescents struggles with anxiety. Do you believe that your child has an anxiety disorder? Our psychiatric team in Westfield and Wall Township has the greatest empathy for your family, and we are eager to help! We offer effective therapies for a range of mental health conditions, including pediatric anxiety disorders. Continue reading below to learn more, or contact us to set up a consultation for your child.
Why Choose Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center for Treatment of Pediatric Anxiety Disorders?
- Highly Skilled Team led by a Board-Certified Psychiatrist
- Empathetic & Conservative Care in a Pleasant Environment
- Insurance Welcomed & Multiple Payment Methods Accepted
What Is Anxiety?
The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as, “An emotion characterized by apprehension and somatic symptoms of tension in which an individual anticipates impending danger, catastrophe, or misfortune.”
Children and teens with anxiety disorders may exhibit a broad range of signs and symptoms, including:
- Ongoing feelings of worry or fear about the future
- Reluctance to go to school or participate in other normal activities
- Physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches, and more
- Poor-quality Sleep
Types of Pediatric Anxiety Disorders
A number of different conditions fall under the umbrella of pediatric anxiety disorders. Some of the most common include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder: Kids and teens with this condition struggle with persistent feelings of fear and worry that interfere with their daily life.
- Panic disorder: Young people with this disorder may experience sudden and incredibly powerful bouts of fear. Strong physical symptoms, like chest tightness, shortness of breath, and more often accompany these episodes.
- Social anxiety disorder: If your child is reluctant to engage in social situations, they may have this disorder. It involves a strong fear of rejection or embarrassment.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Also known as OCD, this condition afflicts its victims with unreasonable thoughts and worries. Kids with OCD often adopt rituals to cope with their feelings that may seem strange to onlookers.
- Phobias: A phobia is an intense and irrational fear of a certain activity, object, or situation.
Treatment Options for Pediatric Anxiety Disorders
An anxiety disorder can greatly affect your child’s quality of life, but the good news is that treatment options are available. Many young patients respond well to one or more of the following:
- Therapy: We offer multiple types of talk therapy, which teach kids to manage their feelings and retrain their thought patterns in a more positive and productive way.
- Medication management: Depending on your child’s age and symptoms, medications may be used to alleviate symptoms.
- TMS therapy: For kids 14 and over, this nonpharmaceutical treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain and reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Supplementation: Certain supplements are very good for brain health and can complement other treatments.
- Family therapy: Getting your whole family involved in therapy can contribute to a home environment where kids can thrive.
