Teens with high anxiety levels perceive threats when conditions are actually safe, according to a new study from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Dr. Michelle Craske and her colleagues are in the fourth year of an eight-year study to identify which factors put teens at risk for adult depression.

At the beginning of the study, the 650 participants were sixteen years old. They receive a mild electric shock when a screen became red, but no shocks when they were before a green screen. Teens with high levels of negative emotions, such as fear, anger, sadness, and shame, were more likely to tense up and have higher startle responses even when their screens were safe or green.

Dr. Craske believes that these teens are at risk for depression and anxiety as adults.

This study appears in the journal Biological Psychiatry.

Labels: anxiety, depression

Everyone experiences occasional anxiety. It causes us to look both ways before crossing the street, and to be careful (hopefully) with our words when we're upset. Teenagers feel some anxiety, too, and that's OK - but high levels of this emotion require attention.

"If your child is experiencing undue anxiety, there are several things you can do to help. Good, basic self-care - as in making sure your child eats real food and is getting enough rest and exercise - can help to keep your kid on a level plane."

Parents can help their child cope with anxiety by making sure that his basic needs are met. Help him eat well, and make sure that he is getting plenty of rest and adequate amounts of exercise. If a child's anxiety level seems disproportionate to the stresses in his life, consider having him talk with a professional counselor. Counseling can be an important tool in helping a child learn how to address and cope with stress. Source: Poughkeepsie Journal (NY)

Labels: anxiety, parental_involvement

For decades, childhood depression has been linked to issues such as abuse, abandonment, brain injury, and chronic anxiety. But British Columbia Children's Hospital psychiatrist Jane Garland wants to add something to the list: "affluenza".

"Children who are overly indulged or who use a depressive coping style may develop what she calls 'learned helplessness' and can be heard saying things such as, 'Nothing ever works out for me,' or 'There's no use trying,' or 'Nothing I do ever makes a difference.'"

Affluenza is seen as an increasing problem among today's teenagers, many of whose parents are detached and uninvolved, and who rarely suffer consequences for their actions. The lack of attention and discipline creates a mindset in the children that they can get whatever they want with little or effort. Doses of reality - a low test score, or not being selected for a school sports team - can trigger depressive episodes. Source: Canwest News Service

Labels: abuse, anxiety, depression

A 2004 survey conducted by the American College Health Association found that nearly 15 percent of all college students meet the criteria for clinical depression. Another seven percent have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

"Sophomore Taylor Evans believes that 'the stress and constant worry about keeping grades up and passing classes combined with having to struggle to figure out what it is that you want to do for the rest of your life' are primary causes behind these illnesses."

The American Psychiatric Association, on its website, offers suggestions for helping young college students avoid things like depression and anxiety. Getting enough sleep, sticking to a regular schedule, and maintaining a proper diet are just a few of their tips.

College students who need a healthy, structured living environment can find their place at NorthStar Center. Located in Bend, Oregon, NorthStar offers an aftercare program for older teens and young adults.

Labels: anxiety, college, depression

A recent study of over 800 students found that depression and anxiety increase in girls who constantly talk about their problems. The study's lead author, Amanda Rose, said the results may indicate that girls tend to blame themselves when they’re not popular or aren't dating the boy of their dreams.

"The study's findings add a cautionary note to the perennial advice to the young that they should always talk about their problems instead of bottling them up. 'Talking about problems is a good thing, but too much talk is too much of a good thing,' said Rose."

Though boys didn't seem to be affected by how frequently they talked about their problems, girls seemed to find themselves in a vicious cycle. Talking about their problems made them feel more anxious and depressed, which caused them to want to talk more about their problems, which led to greater feelings of depression and anxiety. Read more online.

Learn more about teen depression, including ways to help and treatment options, at About-Teen-Depression.com.

Labels: anxiety, depression, therapy

Social anxiety is a medical condition in which a person experiences extreme fear over being in social situations. The person may be afraid of meeting new people, or of embarrassing himself in public. Only about one percent of children and adolescents are diagnosed with social anxiety, but many believe the number to be higher as some children are simply considered "shy" and aren't properly diagnosed.

"Social phobia may look different in young people than in adults. While adults recognize the excessiveness of their discomfort, children may not have that understanding... Adolescents may simply avoid group gatherings or describe little interest in friendships."

Social anxiety is treated mainly through counseling and sometimes includes medications. Read more at MassGeneral.org.

Mood disorders describe a range of behavioral issues that may occur in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Teenage depression and bi-polar disorders can be treated through medication and therapy. Learn more at www.adolescent-mood-disorders.com.

Labels: anxiety, mood_disorders, shyness