Teenager Developing Fears

Q. We could use some help in understanding our 10 year daughter. I don't find her exhibiting most of the symptoms you show under anxiety, yet she does have a continuing problem with fears that go keep her from going into rooms or downstairs by herself. Her fears most frequently prevent her from falling asleep and staying asleep. Any suggestions to help guide us toward effective diagnosis and treatment?

A. Your daughter does sound like she has developed some form of anxiety/fear problem. I would really recommend getting a diagnosis for this. Get it early before it can develop into a more inhibiting problem. You could go to your local GP and and ask him to talk with her or to diagnose. You GP should also be able to refer you to the appropriate treatment for her. There are wonderful child psychologists who specialize in this sort of behavior in teenagers/adolescents. They teach skills and techniques that your daughter will be able to use, not only in this situation, but for the rest of her life. If your GP can't refer you to the appropriate help, perhaps look up Clinical Psychologists in the Yellow Pages. These are Psychologists who have the extra training and have more specialized skills for this kind of situation.

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