Anxiety in Adolescents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

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What do I need to know about anxiety?

Anxiety is a condition that causes you to feel extremely worried or nervous. The feelings are so strong that they can cause problems with your daily activities or sleep. Anxiety may be triggered by something you fear, such as something happening to a parent or friend. Anxiety may happen without a cause. You may feel anxiety only at certain times, such as before you give a presentation in school. Anxiety can become a long-term condition if it is not managed or treated.

What increases my risk for anxiety?

• Stress at home, school, or work, or in a relationship
• Use of caffeine, nicotine products, alcohol, or illegal drugs
• Certain medicines or health conditions
• Changes in your body or emotions from puberty
• Not feeling accepted for the way you look, think, or act

What other common signs and symptoms may occur with anxiety?

• Stomach pain, headaches, or pain in your arms or back
• Flushed skin or sweating
• Muscle tightness, cramping, or trembling
• Shaking, or feeling restless or irritable
• Problems focusing
• Trouble sleeping or nightmares
• Feeling jumpy, easily startled, or dizzy
• Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath

How is anxiety diagnosed?

Tell your healthcare provider when your symptoms began, what triggers them, and if anxiety affects your daily activities. Your provider may ask about your past or present drug, alcohol, or nicotine use. It may be hard to talk about these. Honest answers can help your provider understand what triggers your anxiety and anything you do to control it.

How is anxiety treated?

Healthcare providers will treat any medical condition that may be causing your symptoms. Any of the following may also help:

• Medicines may help you feel more calm and relaxed, and decrease your symptoms. Medicines are usually used along with therapy.
• Cognitive behavior therapy can help you find ways to feel less anxious. A therapist can help you learn to control how your body responds to anxiety. The therapist may also teach you ways to relax muscles and slow breathing when you feel anxious.
• Counseling is talk therapy. You can talk about your anxiety and other feelings with a counselor.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Xanax
• Ativan
• Lexapro
• BuSpar
• clonazepam

View more treatment options

What can I do to manage anxiety in a healthy way?

• Talk with someone about your anxiety. You can talk through situations or events that make you feel anxious, such as giving a speech. Talk with someone you trust and feel comfortable with, such as a friend, sibling, or teacher. Choose someone you know will listen to you and offer support and encouragement.
• Do activities you enjoy. Spend time with friends, or do something fun. Choose activities you are familiar with or comfortable doing. This may help prevent anxiety.
• Practice deep breathing. Deep breathing can help you relax when you are anxious. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths several times a day, or during an anxiety attack. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Deep breathing combined with meditation or listening to music may help you feel calmer.
• Create a regular sleep routine. Regular sleep can help you feel calmer during the day. Go to sleep and wake up at the same times every day. Do not watch television or use the computer right before bed. Your room should be comfortable, dark, and quiet.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, whole-grain breads, and cooked beans. Healthy foods can help you feel less anxious and have more energy. Do not have foods or drinks that are meant to increase your energy level or that contain caffeine. Caffeine can make your symptoms worse.
• Be physically active throughout the day. Physical activity, such as exercise, can increase your energy level. Exercise may also lift your mood and help you sleep better. Your healthcare provider can help you create an exercise plan.
• Do not use tobacco products, alcohol, or illegal drugs. Alcohol, illegal drugs, and nicotine in tobacco products can all increase anxiety or make it hard to manage. Talk to your healthcare provider if you use any of these and need help to quit. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You have chest pain, tightness, or heaviness that may spread to your shoulders, arms, jaw, neck, or back.
• You feel like hurting yourself or someone else.

When should I call my doctor?

• Your symptoms get worse or do not get better with treatment.
• Your anxiety keeps you from doing your regular daily activities.
• You have new symptoms since your last visit.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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