If your teenager appears to have a persistent anxiety disorder, a pediatrician should evaluate him. The doctor should begin by conducting a complete physical exam, since many medical problems can produce states that mimic anxiety disorders. Once the doctor rules out medical disorders, he or she should look closely at what may be causing the anxiety or the panic attacks. Counseling is often very effective for these young people, helping them deal with and ease their anxiety. Also, if there's a way you can change your youngster's environment to help relieve the stress in his life, you should make a strong effort to do just that.
Doctors sometimes prescribe short-term drug therapy as well.
Your family's pediatrician might recommend that your youngster take an antianxiety medication or even an antidepressant drug. But your teenager should never take any medication that hasn't been prescribed specifically for him.