Adolescent (12-17) Mental Health Servcies
Depression, Anxiety, and ADD/ADHD are some of the most common disorders in adolescents today. Our adolescent mental health provider, Eddie Mariscal PMHNP-BC, can help to treat your adolescent, who is 12 to 17 years of age, on a short-term or long-term basis depending on the needs of your adolescent and the family.
We believe that the lack of services for our youth is unfortunate because mental health problems in adolescence can be extremely disruptive and painful.
If untreated, depression, anxiety and other disorders can progress into life-long problems for teens. That’s why we have mental health services designed just for them.
Common Mental Health Disorder in Kids/Teens
Depression
Depression is the most prevalent mental health disorder in adolescents, with severe depression being more common in girls than boys.
Teen depression can make your adolescent feel sad, hopeless, worthless, and irritable. However, because depression affects the way your teenager thinks, feels, and behaves, a simple change in attitude is not enough to ease symptoms. Depression is a serious mental health problem that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. Although depression can occur at any time in life, symptoms may be different between adults and teens.
The teen years are a time when mood disorders can first appear. The specific symptoms of a depressive disorder will depend on the type of mood you have: major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or another type of depressive disorder.
Behavioral Signs
There may be changes in behavior, such as:
- Tiredness and loss of energy
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite — decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weight gain
- Use of alcohol or drugs
- Agitation or restlessness — for example, pacing, hand-wringing, or an inability to sit still
- Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
- Social isolation
- Poor school performance or frequent absences from school
- Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance
- Angry outbursts, disruptive or risky behavior, or other acting-out behaviors
- Self-harm — for example, cutting or burning
If depressive symptoms continue, begin to interfere in your teen’s life, or cause you to have concerns about suicide or your teen’s safety, talk to a doctor or a mental health professional trained to work with adolescents.
Anxiety
Anxious teenagers are different from anxious children. At each stage of development, kids have different worries and vulnerabilities.
Younger children are prone to be anxious about external things — like animals or insects, the dark, monsters under the bed, or something bad happening to mom and dad. But teenagers are more likely to be worried about themselves — their performance in school or sports, how they are perceived by others, the changes in their bodies.
Some anxious teenagers have been anxious for many years by the time they reachadolescence. Maybe parents have been aware of it, but the child functioned well despite their distress, so nothing was done about it. Or the child was treated, and things got better. But as more is expected of them, in middle and high school, and as they develop more focus on their peers, the anxiety can resurface and become more severe. And some teens who weren’t anxious children develop adolescent-onset kinds of anxiety, including social anxiety and panic attacks.
Symptoms of anxiety in teenagers
Symptoms of anxiety vary widely, from withdrawal and avoidance to irritability and lashing out. Anxiety is often overlooked because teenagers are good at hiding their thoughts and feelings. But these are some of the behaviors that might be a sign that a teenager is anxious.
- Recurring fears and worries about routine parts of everyday life
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Extreme self-consciousness or sensitivity to criticism
- Withdrawal from social activity
- Avoidance of difficult or new situations
- Chronic complaints about stomachaches or headaches
- Drop in grades or school refusal
- Repeated reassurance-seeking
- Sleep problems
- Substance use
ADD/ADHD
As children grow into teenagers, the manifestation of ADD/ADHD can change significantly. Teenagers are more likely to face internal challenges related to their performance, self-esteem, and social interactions. They may have been managing their symptoms since childhood, or they might experience an increase in symptoms due to the heightened demands of adolescence. Common symptoms in teenagers include:
- Poor Academic Performance: Struggling to keep up with schoolwork, missing deadlines, or receiving lower grades.
- Organizational Difficulties: Trouble managing time, keeping track of assignments, or staying organized.
- Impulsivity: Making hasty decisions, engaging in risky behaviors, or having difficulty controlling emotions.
- Social Challenges: Difficulty maintaining friendships, experiencing social rejection, or being overly sensitive to criticism.
- Low Self-Esteem: Feeling inadequate, struggling with self-doubt, or experiencing negative self-perception.
ADD/ADHD and Anxiety
It’s not uncommon for teenagers with ADD/ADHD to also experience anxiety. The pressure to perform academically and socially can exacerbate their symptoms, leading to increased stress and anxiety. Understanding the co-occurrence of these conditions is essential for providing comprehensive support.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Teenagers with ADD/ADHD:
- Recurring Fears and Worries: Concerns about routine parts of everyday life, such as school performance or peer relationships.
- Irritability: Frequent mood swings or frustration.
- Trouble Concentrating: Difficulty focusing on tasks or sustaining attention.
- Extreme Self-Consciousness: High sensitivity to criticism or perceived judgment from others.
- Withdrawal from Social Activity: Avoidance of social interactions or new situations.
- Physical Complaints: Chronic complaints about stomachaches, headaches, or other somatic symptoms.
- Drop in Grades: Decline in academic performance or school refusal.
- Reassurance-Seeking: Constant need for validation or assurance from others.
- Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
•Substance Use: Turning to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Addicitions
Addiction in teenagers is a growing concern, with various substances and behaviors posing significant risks to their health and well-being. Recognizing the signs of addiction and understanding the challenges unique to teenagers is crucial for effective intervention and support.
Common Addictive Substances and Behaviors in Teenagers
Teenagers may experiment with various substances and behaviors that can lead to addiction. Some of the most common include:
- Vaping: The use of e-cigarettes or vape pens, often containing nicotine, which can lead to addiction and harm lung health.
- Marijuana: Regular use can lead to dependency and negatively impact cognitive development and mental health.
- Alcohol: Underage drinking can result in addiction and increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Prescription Medications: Misuse of prescription drugs, such as opioids or stimulants, can lead to addiction and serious health consequences.
- Illicit Drugs: Use of substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin poses severe risks and high potential for addiction.
- Behavioral Addictions: Engagement in addictive behaviors, such as excessive gaming, social media use, or gambling.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction in Teenagers
Addiction can manifest in various ways, and it is often overlooked because teenagers may hide their behaviors or downplay the seriousness of their actions. Key signs to watch for include:
- Changes in Behavior: Sudden shifts in mood, irritability, or aggression.
- Decline in Academic Performance: Drop in grades, truancy, or loss of interest in school activities.
- Physical Health Issues: Frequent illnesses, unexplained injuries, or changes in weight.
- Social Withdrawal: Isolation from family and friends, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Secretive Behavior: Lying, sneaking out, or being overly secretive about activities and whereabouts.
- Financial Problems: Unexplained need for money or stealing.
- Changes in Appearance: Neglect of personal hygiene, unusual smells, or physical signs of substance use (e.g., bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils).
Understanding Your Insurance's Coverage
Some insurance providers offer coverage for psychiatric services kids and teens. Our team will work closely with your health insurance benefits, manage any necessary pre-authorizations, and ensure you are fully informed about your coverage and costs prior to your appointment.
