Understanding anxiety symptoms and therapeutic approaches

Anxiety can manifest through various physical and emotional symptoms, often described as ‘anxiety attacks’ or panic attacks. Common physical indicators include a racing or pounding heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, shaking, sweating, nausea, and chest tightness. For teenagers, these symptoms can significantly impact school, relationships, and daily activities.

While anxiety is often viewed as a cognitive error, psychodynamic therapy suggests it is a meaningful response tied to personal history and internal reactions. This therapeutic approach focuses on understanding what the anxiety is communicating or protecting, rather than simply attempting to eliminate the sensation. Anxiety may be rooted in past experiences that make current uncertainties feel intolerable, often concealing deeper emotions such as grief, anger, or vulnerability.