Kids' mental health looks different now than it did a decade ago. More kids are struggling with anxiety, OCD, and ADHD, and parents are often unsure whether what they're seeing is normal or something that needs professional help.

In this episode, Dr. John Parkhurst, a child psychologist at Northwestern, helps us understand what's really happening with kids right now. He explains why anxiety spikes during puberty, how to recognize the difference between typical worry and an anxiety disorder, and what sets anxiety apart from OCD. We also talk about ADHD, executive function, and the treatment options that actually work from therapy to medication to combined approaches.

As a child psychologist with expertise in anxiety disorders, he's worked in this field for over a decade and conducts research on how to help primary care physicians better identify and treat mental health challenges in kids. In this episode, we get into the specifics of what anxiety actually looks like, how it differs from OCD, and why the distinction matters for treatment. We also discuss ADHD, the role of hormones during puberty, and what the research shows about which treatments work best.

Highlights

Anxiety in kids shows up differently than you might think. It can look like avoidance, freezing, or kids getting reactive and emotional, not just saying they're worried.
The difference between anxiety and OCD matters for treatment. Anxiety is a global worry response, while OCD is specific intrusive thoughts paired with compulsions.
Anxiety spikes during puberty, with generalized anxiety disorders commonly emerging around ages 8-12.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are both effective treatments for anxiety and OCD. Combined treatment often works better than either approach alone.
ADHD is harder to treat with therapy alone. Medication is typically more effective, but environmental structure and parenting strategies also matter.

If you're seeing signs of anxiety, OCD, or ADHD in your child, remember that these are treatable conditions. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are evidence-based options that work. Talk to your pediatrician or seek out a child psychologist who can help you figure out the right approach for your child.

Understanding what your child is experiencing is the first step. If you've found this episode helpful, please subscribe so you don't miss upcoming conversations that matter to you and your family.

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Northwestern

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