My 16 yo daughter was just dx. with anxiety and her Dr. is putting her on Celexa.

She was taking Zoloft but it made her overeating and she was gaining weight. She also had headachs and was sleepy( this med. giving to her by her reg. PCP before seeing other Dr.)

My daughter did not like the Dr., doesn't want to go back and is now even more discouraged. I'm questioning this women also (we saw her only once). I'm I being weird or over protective ? My gutt feelings are usually right.

I got this women's name from my daughter's reg. PCP. along with other names of Dr. that are just way to far away from our home.

1) How do I choose a Dr. for my teen daughter?
2) How do I help her with her anxiety ?


Thanks for any advice

Well, I guess I would trust your gut. Celexa is in the same family as Zoloft and could be the right med for her but I would contact your PCP and see what his follow up might be. Tell your doctor your concerns and perhaps he/she can give you something to go on.

If you were to continue your search, I would ask your PCP for more options and ask for a consultation with these potential physicians before you seek their treatment. Feel them out before you start going. I know that you might feel that this could send up a red flag to them but questions as to their credentials, their specializations, etc. could be very beneficial to you and your daughter. Don't hesitate to ask what their personality is like and if it will mesh with hers. Sounds odd but if they can't get her to talk, then they may not be able to effectively treat her.

There are many causes for anxiety based on heredity, brain chemistry, personality, life experiences, co-existing conditions, etc. You are already seeking treatment and that's the first step in helping her. The next steps are to educate yourself, come to her level and try to understand where she is coming from. Anxiety is a scary place to be when you don't understand what or why it's happening. Provide her with information and a safe place to go when she is feeling anxious. Big hugs to you and her and I wish you all the luck and happiness in the world...hope this helps

I strongly recommend buying a book called : "The Anxiety and phobia workbook" by "edumund j. borne".

It's excellent!!!!

And, if possible, therapy would work really well with and for anxiety.

my friend takes these OTC meds called Calmplex, i've never really tried them but he's been in therapy and is much better now but takes them when he feels anxious.

I'd trust my gut, too.

You don't need a reason to look for a new doc. I just got the list from my insurance company and started calling. Luckily, you've got a teen, so doctors that treat children AND doctors that treat adults are all options for you/her.

Good luck!!