Anxiety and anxiety-related disorders in the adolescent population: an overview of diagnosis and treatment.

Anxiety is a common component of visits to the doctor's office by adolescents; however, it is often overlooked as a possible causative agent of the presenting complaint. With a high index of suspicion and proper questioning, a clinician can analyze the contribution that anxiety plays in the life of an adolescent patient. Behavioral and pharmacologic interventions exist for this group of disorders, and with proper diagnosis and treatment the symptoms of these disorders can possibly be ameliorated. This article provides a concise guide to the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders including hyperventilation syndrome, syncope, sleep disorders, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.