Adolescent and teenage anxiety is rapidly on the rise. Over the past 10 years, the incidence has gone up significantly—greater than 20 percent. Nearly 1 out of 3 teenagers will suffer from an anxiety disorder. This can lead to major depression, substance abuse, and suicide.

There are many reasons that our children are developing anxiety: genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences. Children today are facing increased social pressures that did not previously exist. Social media, online bullying, increased exposure to negative events, and increased educational expectations are overwhelming our youth.

First and foremost, it is important for us as parents to identify the signs of anxiety in our children: recurring fears, irritability, avoiding activities and social interactions, dropping grades, trouble sleeping, substance use, and constant physical complaints (headaches, stomach aches, and fatigue). It is crucial to identify these symptoms as early as possible and have open communication with your kids. It is important to discuss these issues and have empathy and understanding. Do not hesitate to bring up any concerns with your pediatrician. Oftentimes, they may refer you to a mental health professional for an evaluation and further treatment.

If warranted, adolescent anxiety and depression is treatable with greater than 80 percent efficacy. Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are usually the first-line treatments, which essentially help the individual change how they view, process, and respond to stressful situations.

While an anti-depressant such as an SSRI may be prescribed, these medications can take up to 6 weeks to work and have undesired side effects (fatigue, weight gain, emotional dulling, muscle aches, and potentially worsening of suicidal thoughts). In some cases, it can take years to find the right medication or combination thereof.

A novel treatment that we have been using successfully at IV Solutions is Ketamine. We have achieved greater than a 90 percent success rate among our adolescent population and have more experience with this age group than any area clinic. Ketamine is a very safe treatment with almost no lingering side effects. With highly trained physicians and nurses, ketamine is administered in a calm and relaxing environment. Instead of waiting months for a pill to work, you can see results within days or even after the first session. Combined with CBT and therapy, ketamine can produce even better results. Some patients have been able to decrease or completely wean off their medications, freeing them from those unfavorable side effects. We are happy to work with your child’s health care provider to develop an inclusive and transparent plan specifically tailored for them. Help your child live his or her best life!

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IV Solutions and Ketamine Centers is located at 300 Village Green Road, Suite 225 in Lincolnshire and at 712 N. Dearborn Street in Chicago. For more information, call 844-9-IV-MEDS (948-6337) or visit chicagoivsolution.com or ketaminechicago.com to watch and listen to our many patient testimonials, news, and radio stories.