Welcome To Hyderabad’s Top Psychiatry Care
My goal is to help children and teens understand their feelings, face their fears gently, and grow with confidence. With family support and therapy, even the most anxious child can become resilient, independent, and emotionally strong.
Dr Sathiya Ganesan’s
Empowering Young Minds to Face Fear with Confidence.
Anxiety in children and adolescents can affect academic performance, friendships, sleep, and overall development. It often goes unnoticed or misinterpreted as behavioural issues or moodiness.
Dr. Sathiya Ganesan, Consultant Psychiatrist in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, offers specialised, age-appropriate care to help young minds overcome anxiety, develop coping skills, and build emotional resilience for a healthier future.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
When Worry Becomes a Wall – Recognising Anxiety in Young Minds
Anxiety is a normal part of growing up. But when it becomes excessive, irrational, or interferes with daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. In children and adolescents, anxiety often shows up in different ways than in adults — through avoidance, physical complaints, tantrums, or school refusal.
Common anxiety disorders in children and teens include:
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Specific Phobias
- Selective Mutism
Without early support, childhood anxiety can impact emotional development and increase the risk of depression, school dropout, and substance use in later life.
Common Signs of Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
Signs vary by age but may include:
- Fear of being away from parents or home
- Refusal to go to school or participate in group activities
- Excessive worry about school, health, or safety
- Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or unexplained physical symptoms
- Sleep difficulties (insomnia, nightmares, bedwetting)
- Irritability, tantrums, or clinginess
- Avoidance of social interactions
- Panic attacks, shortness of breath, or dizziness in certain situations
If these symptoms are persistent and disrupt your child’s daily life, it’s time to seek professional help.
Child-Friendly Evaluation and Diagnosis
Dr. Sathiya Ganesan performs a gentle, developmentally appropriate assessment that includes:
- Clinical interviews with the child and parents
- Behavior observation
- School-related stress screening
- Rule-out of learning disorders or other mental health conditions
This thorough evaluation helps in accurately diagnosing the type of anxiety disorder and understanding the child’s emotional world.
Individualised Treatment Planning and Skill Building
Treatment is always tailored to the child’s age, developmental stage, personality, and family dynamics. Plans may include:
- Anxiety education using simple, relatable language
- Building emotional vocabulary and expression skills
- Gradual exposure to feared situations (with support)
- Teaching calming techniques like breathing and grounding exercises
The focus is on empowering the child, not just treating symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Play-Based Interventions
Therapy is central to recovery. Dr. Ganesan uses:
- CBT for kids and teens – helping them recognize worry thoughts and replace them with realistic, brave thinking
- Play Therapy or Art Therapy for younger children to express anxiety indirectly
- Social skills training for those with social anxiety
- Mindfulness and relaxation exercises for body awareness and calming
Parental involvement is encouraged to reinforce these skills at home.
Medication Support (When Needed)
In moderate to severe cases, when therapy alone isn’t enough, Dr. Ganesan may recommend short-term use of child-safe medications such as SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine).
Medications are prescribed only when necessary and always alongside continued therapy and family monitoring.
Family Counselling and Parental Guidance
Family support is crucial. Dr. Ganesan works with parents to:
- Understand how anxiety presents in children
- Avoid reinforcing avoidant behaviors
- Build supportive daily routines
- Practice calm, consistent parenting strategies
Strong, informed parenting is key to a child’s emotional recovery.
School Collaboration and Academic Support
If anxiety affects academic performance or attendance, Dr. Ganesan coordinates with schools (with parental consent) to:
- Recommend classroom accommodations
- Educate teachers about the child’s needs
- Plan gradual reintroduction for school refusal cases
This ensures the child receives holistic support across all environments.
Secure Online Consultations for Parents and Teens
For ongoing therapy, medication reviews, or parenting consultations, Dr. Sathiya Ganesan offers secure telepsychiatry services — allowing flexible, convenient mental health support from the comfort of home.
Why Choose Dr. Sathiya Ganesan for Child & Adolescent Anxiety Care?
Dr. Sathiya Ganesan is a highly trusted name in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, known for his warm, relatable approach and expertise in anxiety care.
His child-first philosophy creates a safe, respectful space where children feel understood and parents feel supported.
With personalized treatment, developmentally appropriate therapies, and family-based interventions, Dr. sathiya Ganesan helps young individuals overcome fear, grow in confidence, and thrive emotionally.
Help Your Child Breathe Easy Again
If your child is struggling with constant worry, school fears, or unexplained physical complaints, don’t wait.
Reach out to Dr. Sathiya Ganesan today for expert, compassionate care that brings calm to anxious minds and strength to growing hearts.
How do I know if my child’s anxiety is a disorder?
If your child’s worry, fear, or physical symptoms persist for weeks and interfere with school, sleep, or relationships, it may be an anxiety disorder. A professional evaluation is the best way to know for sure.
What is the best treatment for childhood anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the most effective first-line treatment. For severe anxiety, therapy may be combined with medications like SSRIs under psychiatric supervision.
Can anxiety in children go away on its own?
While some anxiety is part of normal development, untreated anxiety disorders often worsen over time. Early intervention can prevent long-term mental health issues and improve a child’s overall wellbeing.
Does Dr. Sathiya Ganesan offer therapy for school anxiety or refusal?
Yes, Dr. Ganesan specializes in treating school-related anxiety, including school refusal. Treatment includes therapy, family counseling, and school coordination for gradual reintegration.
Can parents be involved in their child’s anxiety treatment?
Absolutely. Dr. Ganesan believes in family-inclusive care, guiding parents on how to support their child without reinforcing anxiety-driven behaviors.
