Hello, I am Dr. Jayna Bonfini and in this video I will be talking about anxiety. Anxiety is a normal part of everyday life. For most people, anxiety is a natural reaction to stress that can help a person stay alert and focused, motivate them to action, and help to solve problems. Anxiety can be uncomfortable, but it usually resolves itself when the stressor goes away (like when you finally finish that research paper) or a problem has been solved.

An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings of nervousness, worry or fear become long-lasting, out of proportion to the situation, and difficult to control. Dealing with this type of anxiety can interfere with daily life, strain relationships, and cause significant emotional or physical distress.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders experienced by Americans and the most common mental health issues on college campuses nationwide. Most people who will experience an anxiety disorder develop symptoms before age 21.

Social phobia in teens and young adults can have an impact on social development (such as the ability to form and maintain close friendships), school attendance, and academic performance. Some teens and young adults who experience chronic anxiety can also develop other mood disorders (such as depression) or eating disorders. They are also at-risk for using substances (alcohol, non-prescription medications, marijuana, etc.) to help them deal with their anxiety.

There is no single cause for anxiety disorders – it appears that a combination of factors contribute to their development. These disorders tend to run in families and some people are simply more prone to shyness or nervousness. An anxiety disorder also may be linked to the experience of a stressful or traumatic event such as abuse, the death of a loved one, violence, or prolonged illness. Some anxiety disorders are a consequence of a substance use disorder or a medical condition. For other people, an anxiety disorder develops without a clear precipitating cause.

Fortunately, anxiety disorders are manageable with a combination of interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and psycho-education. It is important to include a medical exam as part of the evaluation for an anxiety disorder so that an underlying physical cause of anxiety can be excluded. Physical causes of anxiety include illness (such as diabetes), medication (such as psycho-stimulants), or diet (caffeine and sugar).

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based effective treatment for adolescents and young adults who struggle with an anxiety disorder. It involves active exploration of what the person is feeling (anxiety), situations that cause or trigger the feeling, and identification of ways to cope more effectively with similar situations as they come up. CBT provides the opportunity to learn and practice concrete strategies to either avoid trigger thoughts/situations or deal with them in a more positive and productive manner. 

If you are struggling with anxiety, you are not alone, and help is available. Please consider talking to someone who can connect you with a professional that may provide or refer you to the care that you need to overcome your anxiety.

Thank you for watching!