Everyone wants what’s best for their kids, so it’s understandable that decisions about medication are made carefully and with good reason. The great news is that you don’t have to make this important decision alone. We can help you ask the essential questions and weigh all the options available regarding the best care for your teen.
At Ohio Center for Adolescent Wellness (OHCAW), we partner with you in thoughtful consideration regarding every facet of your teen’s mental health care. Our anxiety treatment for teens can help lessen the overwhelm by providing solid recommendations based on our expertise and combined years of experience.
How do I know if my teen needs help for anxiety?
Adolescence is already a time of emotional highs and lows, but persistent or intense anxiety may be a sign that professional support is needed. Teen anxiety can present in a variety of ways, not all of which are obvious. Some teens become withdrawn, while others experience panic attacks or mood changes that impact school, relationships, or sleep.
Common signs of anxiety in teens include:
- Constant worry or overthinking
- Avoiding social situations or school
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches
- Irritability or restlessness
If these symptoms are interfering with daily life, we recommend an evaluation with a mental health professional. At OHCAW, we can offer a thorough intake process to determine the most appropriate level of care for your child—often helping families avoid hospitalization by starting with structured outpatient treatment here.
Maybe your teen has tried therapy alone, and it doesn’t seem to be working. If anxiety continues or escalates without much progress, this is likely an indication that medication may be needed.
What factors should be evaluated before starting medication?
Medication isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it shouldn’t be your first step. When evaluating whether anti-anxiety medication is right for your teen, there are several factors to consider:
- Intensity of your teen’s symptoms
- How long and how frequent are anxiety episodes?
- What has their response to therapy alone been? How effective or ineffective is it?
- Do they struggle with any co-occurring conditions like ADHD or depression?
At OHCAW, medication management is offered within our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), typically lasting 2–3 weeks. This setting allows for close supervision from our expert clinical staff and regular check-ins with our team to monitor the medication’s effectiveness as well as any potential side effects.
Are some anti-anxiety medications safer than others for teens?
The most commonly prescribed medications for teen anxiety are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications help regulate mood and reduce symptoms by adjusting chemical levels in the brain.
Examples of anxiety medication with the least side effects:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac): An FDA-approved medication for children 8+ that is generally well-tolerated
- Sertraline (Zoloft): This is widely used for anxiety and depression
- Escitalopram (Lexapro): A medication that’s been effective for generalized anxiety disorder in adolescents
It’s important to understand that every teen reacts differently, which is why medication decisions are made collaboratively, and our team diligently monitors for any side effects. We take medical history, individual needs, and the results of a clinical assessment into account for all of our teens.
Combining traditional therapy with medication-based support is sometimes the most effective treatment plan. Your child’s safety is always our highest priority.
Comprehensive anxiety treatment in Ohio
Located in Worthington, OH, the OHCAW provides private, compassionate care tailored to each adolescent’s needs. Our PHP and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are designed to treat anxiety at multiple levels, with a focus on emotional healing, family involvement, and personal growth.
Whether or not anxiety medication is right for your teen is a personal decision—and it’s one you don’t have to make alone. Call us today at 888.890.7141 or submit our online form to schedule an assessment and determine your next steps. We’re with your family all the way.
