Local Clinic Highlights Patterns of Teen Anxiety

Located in Los Angeles, Behavioral Neuroscience Institute’s clinical team, BNI Treatment Centers, recently published a blog that analyzes the root causes and consequences of this condition.Adolescent anxiety is at higher levels than ever before, with more than 58% of California youth reporting they experience frequent bouts of anxiety.

Teenagers face unique challenges. They are in a time of flux, facing increased academic, social, and interpersonal pressures. While it’s sometimes common to trivialize these challenges as disconnected from the real world, the article cautions against this approach.

“While years of perspective can make teenage concerns seem trivial, it’s important to remember that teenage emotions are just as genuine and intense as adult emotions – sometimes even more so,” it reminds parents and teens alike, “There are many potential reasons a teen might develop an anxiety disorder. Common factors include hormonal changes, academic pressure, concerns with their social life or body image, and worries about the future.”

From there, the authors take time to dive into each of these root causes, explaining how they might influence or increase anxiety. Importantly, they discuss the impact of a hormone known as allopregnanolone, or THP. In adults and children, THP has a calming and relaxing effect on the brain, reducing tension. However, in adolescents, this hormone has an opposite effect, leading to higher levels of stress and excitement.

Of particular concern is the fear of the future. “Only 47% of Gen Z rate their imagined future an eight out of ten or higher. Less than half of young people believe their futures are bright. They worry if college is attainable, about getting a job afterward, or falling in love…many teens find these wishes unrealistic, and frequent access to negative media only makes teens feel more pessimistic than ever.”

Yet the article points out that not all concerns are necessarily bad, and just because a teenager is stressed, does not mean they are experiencing an anxiety disorder.

“It’s normal to worry about things sometimes, and occasionally feel stressed or afraid. However, anxiety becomes a concern when it lasts for a long time, is overly intense, or interferes with a teen’s daily life,” the article clarifies, “Stress is unpleasant, but it’s natural. Both teens and adults often feel stressed when they have too many things to manage. The difference between stress and an anxiety disorder is that when the stressor is taken away, the stress goes with it. With anxiety disorders, the anxiety and stress continue, whether the stressor is there or not.”

Detailing the various forms of anxiety, including social and separation anxieties, the article continues by focusing on ways parents and other adults can identify anxiety in teens. It points out the social symptoms, such as sensitivity to criticism, unexplained mood swings, and withdrawal from social activities and hobbies. However, the post makes sure to highlight the physical symptoms, such as frequent headaches, stomachaches, and troubles sleeping. And it finishes with a reminder of the growing importance of understanding teenage anxiety.

“In 2007, 5.5% of American youth ages 6-17 were diagnosed with anxiety, compared to 6.4% in 2012. By 2016, these numbers were up to 7.1%, and by 2020, 9.2% were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.”

The article underscores this trend emphatically, “This is a concern for today’s adolescents, and it continues to be a growing problem.”

BNI Treatment Centers is a local, Los Angeles-based rehab who specialize in teen and adolescent behavioral health. Their work takes a modern and evidence-based approach to mental healthcare, aiming to modernize the clinical landscape for teens. To learn more about their approach, connect with them through their website to learn more today.