Anxiety is defined by Merriam Webster as painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill; an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension and increased pulse.)
Obsessive or intrusive thoughts are defined by Wikipedia as unwelcome involuntary thoughts, images, or unpleasant ideas that may become obsessions, are upsetting or distressing, and can be difficult to manage or eliminate.
Teenagers do not admit this openly; however, many of them use mental rituals to relieve anxiety. This is a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD. OCD is an Anxiety Disorder.
We sometimes joke around and comment about a person having OCD and have seen movies about people with OCD. For a person suffering with OCD, it is not a joking matter. They have great difficulty trying to live a normal life. Imagine how difficult it is for a teen struggling with intrusive thoughts or compulsions of repetitive actions.
Traumatic experiences and bullying can trigger Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in children and teenagers. Irregardless of the cause, treatment is needed and can be effective in assisting teenagers learn coping strategies, understand the reason for the intrusive thoughts and feel better about themselves.
Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is therapy and sometimes medication. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a method that helps teach about thinking patterns and how behavior is affected by them. This awareness helps change thought processes and associations and change behavior.
Triumph Youth Services offers a small, highly structured family-type environment for youth. This family-like community promotes a social environment that takes on both therapeutic and healing properties instead of maintaining negative behaviors.
References
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxiety
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrusive_thoughts
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive%E2%80%93compulsive_disorder
