Inside the Anxious Brain: Tools that Help Kids and Teens with Dr Jennifer Dilts

Introduction Welcome and Introductions

• Dr. Caroline Danda introduces herself as a psychologist with three children who have ADHD.

• Emphasis on kindness, respect, and confidentiality in the group discussions.

• Recording of the session will be available on the website for later viewing.

Upcoming Events Future Speakers and Activities

• Announcement of upcoming speakers discussing topics like "The Smart Kids Paradox" and executive functioning strategies for teens.

• Introduction of a new book club led by Dr. Danda focusing on "ADHD 2.0," wrapping up with a Zoom talk on August 6th.

Speaker Introduction Dr. Jennifer Dilts' Background

• Dr. Jennifer Dilts practices at Bloom Pediatrics, focusing on ADHD, anxiety, migraines, and acupuncture.

• Excitement expressed about discussing anxiety in relation to ADHD during the session.

Understanding Anxiety Anxious Brains and Tools

• Discussion about how understanding brain function can empower children dealing with anxiety.

• Importance of talking about hard emotions to help kids feel comfortable sharing their feelings.

Narratives Around ADHD Reframing Negative Thoughts

• Encouraging children to replace negative narratives (e.g., "I'm stupid") with positive ones (e.g., "I have ADHD").

Commonality of Anxiety Prevalence Among Children with ADHD

• Up to 50% of children with ADHD also experience anxiety disorders; treatment is often lacking.

Types of Anxiety Understanding Different Forms

• Overview of various types: separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, school avoidance, social anxiety.

Anxiety Responses Predictable Behaviors in Anxious Brains

• Anxious brains tend to overestimate risks while underestimating coping abilities.

Avoidance Behavior Short-term Relief vs Long-term Consequences

• Avoidance provides immediate relief but can lead to increased anxiety over time if not addressed.

Brain Functionality During Anxiety

• Explanation of brain structures involved in emotional responses: reptilian brain (autonomic functions), limbic system (emotions), prefrontal cortex (rational thinking).

Coping Strategies for Parents and Kids

• Importance of helping kids push through anxious moments rather than avoiding them; practice leads to better coping skills.

Understanding Anxiety in Children

• Acknowledge feelings of anxiety; validate the child's experience.

• Avoid labeling anxiety as a disorder; use terms like "anxiety condition" for normalization.

• Emphasize that everyone experiences some level of anxiety, making it relatable.

Mental Health Awareness

• Shift focus from mental illness to mental health; promote discussions about emotional well-being.

• Recognize that some anxiety is beneficial and protective in certain situations.

• Aim for manageable anxiety levels to encourage growth and new experiences.

Visualizing Anxiety

• Use metaphors like an alien or car analogy to help children understand their anxiety.

• Encourage children to see anxiety as a passenger rather than the driver of their actions.

• Discuss avoidance behaviors and explore alternative coping strategies.

Limiting Reassurance

• Reduce excessive reassurance-seeking by setting boundaries on repeated questions.

• Use phrases like "asked and answered" to redirect anxious thoughts effectively.

• Introduce emotion wheels to help children identify and articulate their feelings.

Modeling Emotional Experiences

• Share personal stories of feeling anxious or upset to normalize these emotions for kids.

• Engage in activities like sharing highlights and lowlights at dinner to foster open communication.

• Demonstrate vulnerability by discussing adult challenges with emotions.

Identifying Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

• Help children recognize where they feel anxiety in their bodies through guided discussions.

• Encourage drawing exercises to visualize emotions' physical manifestations.

• Teach kids how to identify early signs of emotional distress for better management.

Naming Anxiety Creatively

• Suggest naming anxieties creatively (e.g., "germworm") for easier discussion.

• This technique helps separate the child from their worries, reducing stigma.

• Humor can be effective in managing children's perceptions of anxiety.

Empowering Control Over Worry Thoughts

• Teach kids they can control worry thoughts instead of being overwhelmed by them.

• Focus on present moment awareness as a strategy against future-oriented anxieties.

• Encourage mindfulness practices that ground them in the current moment.

Co-Regulation Techniques

• Explain diatic co-regulation: mutual influence between parent and child’s emotional states.

• Utilize calming presence during intense emotional moments for effective co-regulation.

• Explore familiar techniques with teens, focusing on stress response regulation methods.

Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief

• Introduce belly breathing as a foundational relaxation technique; practice regularly.

• Reinforce that consistent practice enhances effectiveness during stressful moments.

• Use engaging methods like stuffed animals or cookie breathing for younger children.

Grounding Exercises

-suggest using the “54321” method to engage senses and refocus attention away from worries

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-[] (T=t2453)simplify sensory engagement into variations based on what works best for each child

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-[] (T=t2471)support grounding techniques with resources available online, such as Meg Foundation materials

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(T=t2514)supporting Teens Through Science-Based Approaches

• [] (T=t2514)suggest explaining breathing science behind relaxation techniques increases buy-in among older kids

• [] (T=t2536)simplify concepts around nervous system responses related to stress management

• [] (T=t2579)persistent practice leads toward improved outcomes when addressing stress-related symptoms

#13(t2656): Comprehensive Assessment Strategies

• [] (T=t2687)evaluate standardized tools like SCARED assessment tool tailored towards understanding childhood anxieties

• [] (T=t2715)differentiating between ADHD symptoms versus those stemming from underlying anxieties requires thorough evaluation processes

• [] (T=t2750)cognitive behavioral therapy remains primary recommendation alongside potential medication options

Understanding Anxiety Treatment in Children

Overview of Treatment Options

• Combination of SSRI medications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) shows effective results in treating anxiety in children.

• In a 12-week study, 80% of kids responded positively; 65% had minimal or no anxiety symptoms.

• CBT alone resulted in a 60% positive response rate, indicating treatability without medication.

Role of Medication

• High anxiety levels (9 or 10 on a scale) hinder therapy effectiveness; medication can help lower anxiety to manageable levels.

• The goal is to reduce anxiety from severe levels to allow for better coping and skill application during therapy.

ADHD and Anxiety Co-occurrence

• Symptoms of ADHD and anxiety often overlap, making diagnosis challenging; both can lead to emotional outbursts and difficulty with attention.

• Pediatricians can assist in distinguishing which condition requires more immediate treatment using assessment tools.

Treatment Prioritization

Deciding Which Condition to Treat First

• Typically, the condition causing the most distress is treated first; this may vary by individual case.

• If anxiety is predominant, SSRIs may be prescribed before addressing ADHD with stimulants.

Medication Effectiveness

• After treating ADHD effectively, any remaining anxiety symptoms can be evaluated for further treatment options.

Medication Considerations

Single Medication for Dual Conditions?

• No single medication universally treats both conditions effectively; SSRIs are preferred for anxiety while stimulants are used for ADHD.

• Attempting to manage both conditions with one non-specific medication often leads to suboptimal outcomes.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Recommended Books and Podcasts

• "What to Do When You Worry Too Much" - workbook for elementary-aged kids.

• "Managing Childhood Anxiety for Dummies" by Dr. Natasha Burger offers comprehensive guidance.

Helpful Websites

• Childmind.org and mentalhealthliteracy.org provide valuable resources on managing childhood anxiety.

Final Thoughts on Community Support

Importance of Education

• Educators are increasingly recognizing the need for knowledge about mental health issues like anxiety and ADHD among children.

Community Engagement Opportunities

• Various community events available through adh.org aim at supporting parents and caregivers dealing with these challenges.