The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Adolescence can be a challenging time for both boys and girls. New experiences in high school might cause your teen girl to develop social or general anxiety, while others may deal with major depression due to trauma, emotional distress, body image issues, and bullying.
This article aims to educate parents, guardians, and caregivers on the common mental health disorders that may manifest in your teen girl. It also aims to equip parents with the necessary information to get their teens the appropriate treatment and highlight the importance of early intervention. If you need immediate assistance, contact our team today at Nexus Teen Academy and learn about your options.
Understanding Anxiety in Teen Girls
We have all been in a situation that makes us anxious. Anxiety is common in day-to-day life. However, if your teen’s anxiety overwhelms them and prevents them from functioning properly, it may be a sign that they have an anxiety disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-V), anxiety is defined as excessive worry and apprehensive expectations, occurring more days than not for at least six months, about a number of events or activities, such as social interactions or academic performance.
Anxiety disorder may be classed in the following categories:
General anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Agoraphobia
Anxiety in teen girls makes them uneasy, jittery, and uncertain about the future. Some common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder include the following:
Restlessness, being tense, and agitated
Constant worry about the future
Insomnia
Social withdrawal
Avoidance
Fatigue
Irritability
Sweating, shaking, and a racing heart
Headaches or dizziness
Shortness of breath
If your teen exhibits any of these signs and symptoms, you should seek treatment immediately.
Risk Factors for Anxiety
You might be wondering why your teen has developed anxiety. While several factors can cause anxiety, the following may increase the risk of your teen developing anxiety.
Genetics: Many mental health disorders are genetic. If your family has a history of anxiety, your teen may be at an elevated risk of developing anxiety.
Personality: Shy and timid teens are more likely to develop anxiety compared to their outgoing peers.
Trauma: Teens who have experienced traumatic events and neglect are at a higher risk of developing anxiety disorder. The type of trauma may also determine the type of anxiety they develop. If your teen was neglected as a child, they are likely to develop separation anxiety.
Stress: Teens experiencing big life events may develop anxiety due to the excessive worry they have regarding the situation.
Substance abuse: Some drugs like alcohol and marijuana may trigger your teen’s anxiety. Many teens worry about being caught using drugs, which causes them to develop anxiety disorder or worsen the problem.
Depression in Teen Girls
During adolescence, many teens fall into depression. Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects about 20% of all teens in the United States. According to statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, depression affects teen girls at a higher rate than boys. The statistics show that teen girls account for almost 30% of all depression cases, while teen boys account for only 11.5%.
Signs and Symptoms of Teen Depression
Before seeking treatment, you must understand the common symptoms to look for in your teen. These include the following:
Overwhelming sadness
Irritability
Loss of interest in activities your teen enjoyed
Body image issues and low self-worth
Sensitivity to topics like rejection
Feeling of worthlessness
Insomnia
Sleeping too much
Social withdrawal
Negative outlook on the future
Hopelessness and emptiness
If your teen exhibits these signs, they may be struggling with some form of depression.
Risk Factors for Teen Depression
Several factors can increase the risk of your teen developing depression. These include the following:
Trauma:Teens who experienced childhood trauma or traumatic events are at an increased risk of developing depression. Major life events like car accidents, sexual violence, and bullying may cause your teen to have a bleak outlook on life and spiral into depression.
Genetics: Like many other mental health conditions, depression may be passed down to children. If your family has a history of depression, your teen girl may be predisposed to depression.
Brain chemistry: Abnormal or impaired neurotransmitters may increase the likelihood of your teen developing depression.
Environmental factors: Factors like stigma, belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, and belonging to racial minorities may increase your teen’s risk of developing depression. Minority bisexual girls are among the hardest hit with depression.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated Depression
Not seeking treatment for your teen may have disastrous consequences. Some long-term effects of untreated depression include the following:
Increased risk of suicide
Substance abuse
Trouble keeping a job
Declining academic performance
Worsening of physical health
Breakdown of interpersonal relationships
Insomnia
Comorbidity with other mental health disorders
Bipolar Disorder in Teen Girls
Teen girls with bipolar disorder go through drastic changes in mood and behavior. Do not confuse bipolar disorder with mood swings. Many parents minimize extreme mood swings by saying their teen is just going through adolescence. As a parent or guardian, you should pay close attention to your teen’s mood.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that causes teens to go through extreme mood changes. It is characterized by long periods of joy or delight (manic episodes) followed by long depressive periods (depressive episodes).
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Teen girls with bipolar disorder may be diagnosed with three main diagnoses. These include bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.
Bipolar I:
This type of BD is characterized by manic and depressive episodes that can occur with or without psychosis. It is the most severe form of BD and requires medical intervention. Its manic or depressive episodes may last for up to 2 months in a rapid cycle.
Bipolar II
This form is less severe than BD and is characterized by alternating manic and depressive episodes that may occur at the same time. BD II symptoms are not accompanied by psychosis.
Cyclothymic disorder – This form of BD is characterized by short hypomanic episodes followed by depression.
Challenges in Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder in Teen Girls
Bipolar Disorder is most commonly diagnosed as depression. This is because its diagnosis relies heavily on what stage or symptoms are manifested. Imagine taking your teen to the doctor because they have been depressed for over a month. Doctors and clinicians find it difficult to diagnose BD because of its overlapping symptoms. During a depressive episode, BD can be indistinguishable from depression.
Another reason why it may be challenging to diagnose BD is its confusion with mood swings. Teens with BD II or cyclothymic disorder may have symptoms that closely resemble mood swings.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that your teen might be struggling with mental health issues, it is crucial that you seek professional help immediately. Whether it is anxiety, depression, or bipolar, early intervention can be very beneficial. The following are some of the benefits of early intervention:
Prompt treatment and improved prognosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions help teens receive the care they deserve as soon as they can. Teens who receive help early on have better outcomes in the long run.
Reduced stigma. There is still a lot of stigma around mental health issues. Early detection will reduce the amount of stigma your teen girl will receive.
Reduced costs. If your teen’s mental health issue is caught early, the cost of treatment may be drastically reduced.
Treatment Options for Mental Health Disorders in Teen Girls at Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy is a premier teen mental health facility that prioritizes your teen’s well-being. Our experienced staff offers tailor-made solutions for your teen’s needs. If you live in Arizona and your teen is struggling with mental health issues, then Nexus Teen Academy is the right place for you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidence-based treatment module where teens are taught to identify negative thinking patterns and develop healthy coping mechanisms. It is one of the most effective treatment options for mental health issues. During CBT sessions, your teen is taught that thoughts and emotions affect behavior. By thinking about negative situations or emotions logically, your teen can break the cycle of destructive patterns that worsen their mental health. CBT helps teens isolate negative thoughts that lead to negative emotions and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT is another evidence-based treatment module that is closely related to CBT. It was developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder but can be used to treat several mental health challenges. DBT teaches your teen to accept the negative aspects of their lives while working to achieve positive outcomes. It can be very beneficial for teens who have developed negative coping mechanisms. Through mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness, your teen will learn how to build emotional resilience and achieve positive outcomes.
Individual therapy. This module involves a personalized one-on-one session where your teen can share their struggles with a licensed therapist. It focuses on setting therapy goals to help teens process negative emotions and situations.
Group therapy. Nexus Teen Academy offers a robust group therapy module where teens share their struggles with their peers. A facilitator guides the session and helps teens open up about their struggles. Group therapy fosters trust and forges lifelong bonds.
Residential Treatment. Residential treatment centers for troubled teens are reserved for teens who have severe cases of mental health conditions. It is specifically designed for teens who may be a danger to themselves or others. If your teen has severe depression or bipolar disorder, RTC treatment may be the best option for them.
Holistic treatment options. Nexus Teen Academy offers holistic treatment options such as yoga, art, and music therapy to help teens develop healthy coping mechanisms. These activities help teens with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder to feel calm.
To learn more about how we can help and what an individualized treatment plan may look like for your daughter, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is bipolar disorder in teens the same as in adults?
There is no major difference between bipolar disorder in adults and teens. However, teen bipolar disorder may feel more severe because their brain is still developing.
What should I do if my teen refuses to seek help?
If your teen refuses to seek help, you should encourage them to seek and accept help. Have a candid discussion with your teen about their priorities and the importance of seeking help for mental health challenges.
Can mental health disorders go away on their own?
In some cases, mild mental health conditions may diminish on their own. However, it is important to seek professional help if your teen has a mental health condition. If left untreated, many disorders will only become worse.
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC and Nexus Teen Academy
Five honest questions. You’ll get a clear read on where things stand, and a licensed counselor can walk you through the next step. Private, no obligation.
Your reading
Here’s where things stand
If your teen is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or 911 now.
Common Mental Health Disorders in Teen Girls
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On November 25, 2024
Table of Contents
Adolescence can be a challenging time for both boys and girls. New experiences in high school might cause your teen girl to develop social or general anxiety, while others may deal with major depression due to trauma, emotional distress, body image issues, and bullying.
This article aims to educate parents, guardians, and caregivers on the common mental health disorders that may manifest in your teen girl. It also aims to equip parents with the necessary information to get their teens the appropriate treatment and highlight the importance of early intervention. If you need immediate assistance, contact our team today at Nexus Teen Academy and learn about your options.
Understanding Anxiety in Teen Girls
We have all been in a situation that makes us anxious. Anxiety is common in day-to-day life. However, if your teen’s anxiety overwhelms them and prevents them from functioning properly, it may be a sign that they have an anxiety disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-V), anxiety is defined as excessive worry and apprehensive expectations, occurring more days than not for at least six months, about a number of events or activities, such as social interactions or academic performance.
Anxiety disorder may be classed in the following categories:
Anxiety in teen girls makes them uneasy, jittery, and uncertain about the future. Some common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder include the following:
If your teen exhibits any of these signs and symptoms, you should seek treatment immediately.
Risk Factors for Anxiety
You might be wondering why your teen has developed anxiety. While several factors can cause anxiety, the following may increase the risk of your teen developing anxiety.
Depression in Teen Girls
During adolescence, many teens fall into depression. Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects about 20% of all teens in the United States. According to statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, depression affects teen girls at a higher rate than boys. The statistics show that teen girls account for almost 30% of all depression cases, while teen boys account for only 11.5%.
Signs and Symptoms of Teen Depression
Before seeking treatment, you must understand the common symptoms to look for in your teen. These include the following:
If your teen exhibits these signs, they may be struggling with some form of depression.
Risk Factors for Teen Depression
Several factors can increase the risk of your teen developing depression. These include the following:
Long-Term Effects of Untreated Depression
Not seeking treatment for your teen may have disastrous consequences. Some long-term effects of untreated depression include the following:
Bipolar Disorder in Teen Girls
Teen girls with bipolar disorder go through drastic changes in mood and behavior. Do not confuse bipolar disorder with mood swings. Many parents minimize extreme mood swings by saying their teen is just going through adolescence. As a parent or guardian, you should pay close attention to your teen’s mood.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that causes teens to go through extreme mood changes. It is characterized by long periods of joy or delight (manic episodes) followed by long depressive periods (depressive episodes).
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Teen girls with bipolar disorder may be diagnosed with three main diagnoses. These include bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.
Bipolar I:
This type of BD is characterized by manic and depressive episodes that can occur with or without psychosis. It is the most severe form of BD and requires medical intervention. Its manic or depressive episodes may last for up to 2 months in a rapid cycle.
Bipolar II
This form is less severe than BD and is characterized by alternating manic and depressive episodes that may occur at the same time. BD II symptoms are not accompanied by psychosis.
Cyclothymic disorder – This form of BD is characterized by short hypomanic episodes followed by depression.
Challenges in Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder in Teen Girls
Bipolar Disorder is most commonly diagnosed as depression. This is because its diagnosis relies heavily on what stage or symptoms are manifested. Imagine taking your teen to the doctor because they have been depressed for over a month. Doctors and clinicians find it difficult to diagnose BD because of its overlapping symptoms. During a depressive episode, BD can be indistinguishable from depression.
Another reason why it may be challenging to diagnose BD is its confusion with mood swings. Teens with BD II or cyclothymic disorder may have symptoms that closely resemble mood swings.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that your teen might be struggling with mental health issues, it is crucial that you seek professional help immediately. Whether it is anxiety, depression, or bipolar, early intervention can be very beneficial. The following are some of the benefits of early intervention:
Treatment Options for Mental Health Disorders in Teen Girls at Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy is a premier teen mental health facility that prioritizes your teen’s well-being. Our experienced staff offers tailor-made solutions for your teen’s needs. If you live in Arizona and your teen is struggling with mental health issues, then Nexus Teen Academy is the right place for you.
At our teen mental health treatment center, we offer the following treatment options:
To learn more about how we can help and what an individualized treatment plan may look like for your daughter, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There is no major difference between bipolar disorder in adults and teens. However, teen bipolar disorder may feel more severe because their brain is still developing.
If your teen refuses to seek help, you should encourage them to seek and accept help. Have a candid discussion with your teen about their priorities and the importance of seeking help for mental health challenges.
In some cases, mild mental health conditions may diminish on their own. However, it is important to seek professional help if your teen has a mental health condition. If left untreated, many disorders will only become worse.