Community News
Young people grappling with anxiety disorders and OCD can find substantial relief and improved quality of life in 2024
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Statistics show that anxiety disorders among young people are growing and what is deeply concerning is that, for some, they will not get a correct diagnosis, or treatment until they reach adulthood.
Anxiety and OCD can profoundly impact the lives of African-Caribbean children and teens, often presenting unique challenges within our communities. Cultural factors, such as stigma surrounding mental health, and limited access to culturally competent care, can exacerbate these conditions. Then there are the systemic inequalities and experiences of discrimination that contribute to heightened anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
On March 21st, 2024, I attended a lecture delivered by McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School called “Anxiety and OCD in Kids and Teens.” In this course, the lecturers: delved into the realities of these conditions in children and teenagers, explored the crucial role that adults play in supporting young individuals, examined effective methods of recognizing and diagnosing various conditions affecting this population, and finally, discussed what effective, modern treatment looks like for those who require it.
The panel of lecturers included:
Lisa W. Coyne, PhD
Lisa W. Coyne, PhD, is an assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry, part-time, at Harvard Medical School, and is a senior clinical consultant at the Child and Adolescent OCD Institute (OCDI Jr.) at McLean Hospital. She is also an associate clinical professor at Suffolk University in Boston, a licensed clinical psychologist, and an internationally recognized acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer.
Fairlee C. Fabrett, PhD
Fairlee C. Fabrett, PhD, is the director of training and staff development for McLean’s child and adolescent division. She oversees and develops psychology training programs across the division. Dr. Fabrett is the coordinator for the child and adolescent tracks of the McLean APA psychology internship. She is also the director of McLean’s post-baccalaureate child and adolescent clinical fellowship, through which she provides supervision and mentorship to recent college graduates. Dr. Fabrett is trained in cognitive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy and has expertise in acceptance and commitment therapy.
Jeff Szymanski, PhD
Jeff Szymanski, PhD, a clinical psychologist, is the founder of Getting to the Next Level Consulting. Dr. Szymanski has over 25 years of experience in mental health as a clinician, supervisor, trainer, and administrator. He served as the executive director of the International OCD Foundation for 15 years following his role as the director of psychological services at McLean’s OCD Institute. He is a lecturer on psychology in the Department of Psychiatry, part-time, at Harvard Medical School, where he supervises pre-doctoral psychology interns through McLean’s internship program.
The lecture explored how in the classroom, anxiety and OCD can manifest in various ways, impacting both academic performance and social interactions. Students with anxiety may exhibit symptoms such as: frequent worrying, difficulty concentrating, and avoidance of certain tasks or situations. They might seek reassurance excessively, or become visibly distressed during exams, or presentations.
On the other hand, students with OCD may display repetitive behaviors, or rituals, such as: constant checking of work, arranging objects in a particular order, or excessive hand washing. These behaviors can interrupt learning and cause significant distress for the student.
One important topic discussed was implementing effective methods to recognize signs and symptoms of anxiety, OCD, and ADHD in African-Caribbean children and teens. This is crucial for providing timely support and intervention. It requires culturally sensitive approaches that acknowledge the unique experiences and expressions of mental health within the African-Caribbean community. This entails fostering open communication, creating safe spaces for expression, and actively listening to the concerns of both children and their families.
Educating parents, caregivers, and educators about the specific manifestations of these disorders in African Caribbean youth is essential for early detection and intervention. Incorporating culturally competent mental health screenings and assessments can help identify symptoms accurately. By promoting awareness and understanding, we can empower African children and teens to seek help and access the resources they need to thrive emotionally and academically.
In 2024, the treatment landscape for anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has seen significant advancements, offering more tailored and effective approaches. Incorporating a blend of evidence-based therapies such as: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), clinicians can now customize treatment plans to suit individual needs. There has also been an integration of digital therapeutics and virtual reality exposure therapy that has expanded access to treatment, allowing patients to engage in therapeutic exercises remotely.
With a comprehensive approach emphasizing both psychological interventions and pharmacological support, our young people grappling with anxiety disorders and OCD can find substantial relief and improved quality of life in 2024.
REFERENCES:
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/ce-anxiety