The Safety Net
Anxiety Disorders in Children & Teens
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Tan Sheng Neng
MMED (Psych), MBBS, MCI, FAMSAn anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition. It goes beyond the regular nervousness and slight fear you may feel from time to time. Your child may have an anxiety disorder if their anxiety:
- Becomes overwhelming and persistent.
- Interferes with their daily activities
- Causes them to overreact when something triggers their emotions
- Causes them to lose control with responses to situations
What is an anxiety disorder?
An anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition. If your child has an anxiety disorder, they may respond to certain things and situations with fear and dread. Your child may also experience physical signs of anxiety, such as a pounding heart and sweating.
It is important to note that feeling anxious is normal. A child may feel anxious or nervous if they have to confront a problem at school, take a difficult test or make an important decision. Anxiety can also sometimes help us notice dangerous situations and focuses our attention, so we stay safe.
However, if your child’s anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, or if it interferes with their regular daily activities, or even makes them impossible, they may have an anxiety disorder.
It is important to note that feeling anxious at times is a normal part of life.
However, if your child’s anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, or if it interferes with their regular daily activities, or even makes them impossible, your child may have an anxiety disorder.
An anxiety disorder is a serious mental health condition that can get worse without proper treatment.
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Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Tan Sheng Neng 
Dr Tan was the Director of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service (2017-2019) at Changi General Hospital (CGH), Singapore. He was also an Assistant Director (Psych) of the Integrated Sleep Service at CGH (SingHealth Duke-NUS Sleep Centre), where he helped develop into a department in 2018.
- Master of Medicine (Psychiatry)
- Master of Clinical Investigation (MCI)
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS)
At present, besides the clinical work in his clinic and hospitals, Dr Tan also holds the following appointments:
- Clinical Advisor to Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
- Lecturer to Executive Counselling and Training Academy (ECTA)
Dr Tan has a specialised interest in neuropsychiatry. He treats patients with Sleep Disorders, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Brain trauma or injury, particularly from strokes.
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General Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder
It is important to note that feeling anxious is normal. However, if your child experiences any of the symptoms below over a prolonged period of time, it is highly advisable that you seek professional help. Each person’s symptoms also vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have. Here are the general symptoms of an anxiety disorder:
- Cold or sweaty hands
- Dry mouth, Nausea, Heart palpitations
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Muscle tension and shortness of breath
- Feeling panic, fear and uneasiness
- Nightmares
- Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences
- Uncontrollable obsessive thoughts
- Inability to be still and calm
- Ritualistic behaviours, such as washing hands repeatedly
- Trouble sleeping
What causes anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are like other forms of mental health conditions. They don’t come from a person’s weakness, character flaws or problems with one’s upbringing. Studies indicate that a combination of factors plays a role in the development of anxiety disorders. Here are some of the factors that may play a role:
Chemical imbalance
Severe or long-lasting stress can change the chemical balance that controls your mood. Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period can lead to an anxiety disorder.
Environmental factors
Experiencing a traumatic event might trigger an anxiety disorder, especially if that person has already inherited a higher risk for anxiety disorders.
Genetics
Anxiety disorders tend to be something that runs in families. Your child may inherit them from one or both parents.
It is important to note that feeling anxious at times is a normal part of life.
However, if your child’s anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, or if it interferes with their regular daily activities, or even makes them impossible, your child may have an anxiety disorder.
An anxiety disorder is a serious mental health condition that can get worse without proper treatment.
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Anxiety Disorders that we Treat
Anxiety disorders are treatable and a number of effective treatments are available. Getting the right treatment can help your child return to living a normal productive life.
Other Specific Phobias
Social Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Panic Disorders
Agoraphobias
What treatment options are available?
Medication or Therapy
Treatment options for anxiety disorders may include medication or therapy.
Based on your psychiatrist’s diagnosis of your condition, needs and preferences, a combination of medication and therapy may be recommended for your treatment plan. It is highly advisable that you discuss your options with a professional who is familiar with your diagnosis and overall health.
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Your treatment Roadmap with Dr Tan
1
Registration
Our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you. Book your appointment today.
2
Detailed Consultation
Dr Tan will speak to you, assess your condition, and develop a personalised treatment plan, which may include therapy and/ or medication.
3
Follow-up Visits
Dr Tan will schedule follow up visits to check in with you and make adjustments to your personalised treatment plan if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anxiety disorders be prevented?
You can’t prevent anxiety disorders, however, there are ways to control or reduce your symptoms:
Be mindful about medications: Talk to your child’s physician or psychiatrist before taking over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies. Some of these contain chemicals that may make symptoms worse.
Limit caffeine: Stop or limit how much caffeine you consume.
Physical Health: Exercise regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
What if I experience side effects from my prescribed medication?
If your child experiences any side effects, contact the physician or psychiatrist that prescribed your child the medicine even if you are not sure a side effect is caused by certain medication.
It is also imperative to follow the prescribed treatment plan, sudden discontinuation of taking medication may introduce health risks.
Can Anxiety Disorders be cured?
Medication can’t cure an anxiety disorder. However, with the proper personalised treatment plan, the right combination and dosage of medication can help to improve your symptoms. The purpose of following through with your child’s psychiatrist’s prescribed treatment is to help them to return to a normal productive life.
Take the first step towards Better Mental Health
Start your mental health journey with us today. Get the proper personalised treatment plan you deserve.
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290 Orchard Road
#09-07 Paragon
Singapore 238859 -
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