The Age Of Adolescent Anxiety

With anxiety disorders being the most common mental health condition in the US today, affecting one in eight adolescents, today’s guest on Parent Choices for Struggling TeensDr. Daniel Villiers, founder and Director of admissions at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, shared how parents can identify the difference between stress, anxiety and anxiety disorders, what causes anxiety in children and when to seek therapeutic treatment. 

“Similar to symptoms of drug abuse”, adolescents with anxiety disorders get to a point where they can’t function:  agitation and fidgetiness, the interference of eating and sleeping, the withdrawal of social interactions and school avoidance or school refusal are key indicators that real intervention is needed. Victims of teasing and bullying too, become sufferers of anxiety disorders, allowing the surmounting fears to take control.

Therapy, both individual and family therapy is necessary in working with adolescents with anxiety. Families need to create safety and support for their kids with therapy. “Be an anchor and make your home a safety net for your child, shared Daniel. In counseling, the first step is building trust and learning what the fears and anxieties are.” Dr. Villiers then went on to share some of the methods used in treating young men and women with anxiety disorders.

To listen to the full interview on The Age of Adolescent Anxiety go to http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-070912.shtmlon LATalkRadio.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadioMondays at 12:00pm, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Dr. Daniel P. Villiers, PhDis the founder and Director of Admissions at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, located in Haverhill, NH. Dr. Villiers is a graduate of Kenyon College, received his Master’s degrees from Kent State University and Dartmouth College and a combined PhD in Counseling and School Psychology from Northeastern University.

This segment was sponsored by Spring Ridge Academy, 928-632-4602, www.springridgeacademy.com, a Therapeutic Boarding School for Girls in Arizona.

Woodbury Reportswas founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy.  Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path.  For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to [email protected].