Anxiety Specialist
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Orange County Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Alejandra Suzuki, MD, FAPA
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist located in Irvine, CA
Anxiety is a normal part of a child’s growth and development, and most children outgrow their fears and worries. However, when your child continues to feel anxiety that interferes with school or home life, they may be struggling with an anxiety disorder. Board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist Alejandra Suzuki, MD, FAPA, at Orange County Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Irvine, California, specializes in diagnosing and treating young people struggling with anxiety. To schedule a telehealth consultation for your child or teen, call the office or click the online booking tool today.
Anxiety Q&A
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of fear or worry. It’s a normal reaction to unknown situations and part of normal growth and development in children.
For example, it’s normal for preschool-aged children to be fearful or afraid when separating from their parent or loved one when being dropped off at school.
Though normal, it’s important for parents and loved ones to provide their children with the reassurances they need when feeling anxious.
If your child’s anxiety continues after preschool or is excessive and interferes with school or life at home, then they may be struggling with an anxiety disorder.
What are the types of anxiety disorders that affect children?
There are many types of anxiety disorders that affect children and teens. Some of the most common include:
Separation anxiety disorder
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage for young children. However, with separation anxiety disorder your child may have excessive fear or worry when away from you or other loved ones.
Their anxiety may be so intense they may refuse to go to school or develop various aches and pains. Your child may also have trouble sleeping.
Social anxiety
Children or teens with social anxiety may feel excessive fear or worry in social situations. They may avoid social gatherings and fear meeting or talking to new people.
Phobias
Phobias are an anxiety disorder that causes intense fear over a specific situation or thing, such as fear of needles or heights.
How are anxiety disorders diagnosed?
When you consult with Dr. Suzuki at Orange County Child and Adolescent Psychiatry with concerns about your child’s anxiety, she conducts a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to fully understand your child’s mental, cognitive, and emotional well-being.
Because anxiety may be a symptom of an underlying health condition, Dr. Suzuki also requests your child undergo a comprehensive physical exam to rule out any medical condition that might explain your child’s symptoms.
How are anxiety disorders treated?
Dr. Suzuki develops individualized treatment plans for anxiety disorders based on your child’s diagnosis, age, and symptoms. Your child’s treatment plan may include:
- One-on-one psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Family counseling
- Practicing mindfulness
- Medication management
Dr. Suzuki conducts all evaluations and therapy sessions at Orange County Child and Adolescent Psychiatry through telehealth.
She takes an integrative and personalized approach to care. She offers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy as an alternative to medication management for certain psychiatric disorders.
Even severe anxiety in children is treatable. For comprehensive and compassionate care from an experienced child psychiatrist, call Orange County Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or schedule an appointment online today.