As a practising psychologist based in Cape Town specialising in adolescent mental health, I’ve
witnessed firsthand how anxiety can silently infiltrate a teenager’s world, often remaining hidden from even the most attentive parents. This article draws from clinical experience working with diverse families to help parents recognise, understand, and address adolescent anxiety.

Anxiety disorders affect approximately 15-20% of South African adolescents, making them the most common mental health conditions in this age group. Yet in my clinical experience, less than half of these young people receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This represents not just individual suffering, but a significant public health challenge with long-term societal implications.

The consequences of this hidden epidemic extend far beyond the consulting room, affecting educational outcomes, family dynamics, and ultimately, the prospects of an entire generation.

Clinical Manifestations: How Anxiety Presents in Daily Functioning

From a clinical perspective, adolescent anxiety rarely presents as straightforward “worry.” Instead, it manifests across multiple domains of functioning, often in ways that disguise its true nature. Understanding these presentations is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare providers who work with young people.

In my assessments, I frequently observe how anxiety disrupts executive functioning, the mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. A teenager might sit for hours attempting to complete homework, not due to lack of understanding, but because anxiety has impaired their ability to organise thoughts and sustain attention. I’ve assessed numerous students who demonstrate high intellectual capability during one-on-one sessions but completely “freeze” during group activities or examinations. This performance anxiety often leads to academic underachievement that doesn’t reflect true cognitive ability.

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If you have a child who seems to be struggling with anxiety, let’s sit together and chat about how to manage it.