Acupuncture for Teenagers with Anxiety
- Anna Vincenti
- Sep 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 9
Introduction into Acupuncture for Teenagers Who Suffer from Anxiety
Anxiety among teenagers has reached alarming levels in many places, including the United Kingdom. Recent figures show that 204,526 new referrals in 2023 and 2024 were made for children aged 17 or under, where anxiety was the primary cause (Royal College of Psychiatrists). This is more than double the number of referrals, which stood at 98,953 in 2019 and 2020 (Children’s Commissioner).
With so many young people affected, it is vital to understand:
Why are anxiety levels in teenagers so high?
What are the risk factors?
Whether acupuncture, especially paediatric acupuncture and acupuncture for teenagers, could be part of the solution.
How Big is the Problem
In England in 2023 and 2024, there were 204,526 new referrals of under-18s for anxiety (RCPsych).
Referrals have more than doubled compared with pre-pandemic levels (The Guardian).
The prevalence of probable mental disorders among children aged 7 to 16 years in England in 2022 was around 18 per cent, and among those aged 17 to 24 years, about 22 per cent (NHS Digital).
In the United States, adolescents with more than four hours of daily screen time were more than twice as likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depression in the past two weeks compared with those who had less screen time (CDC).
The scale is large and continues to grow.
Why Anxiety Levels in Teenagers Might Be So High
Several factors appear to be converging that push anxiety up in adolescents. Some are well studied, while others are newer but increasingly recognised.
| Factor | What the Evidence Suggests |
|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Social Media and Screen Time | Heavy use of social media is linked with anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem, and poorer sleep. Adolescents often engage in social comparison, feel pressure from likes and feedback, and experience mood swings (PubMed). |
| Academic Pressures | High-stakes exams and strong expectations from family and schools are key stressors. A narrative review identified academic stress as central to rising adolescent anxiety (PMC). |
| Pandemic Disruptions | School closures, isolation, uncertainty, and disrupted routines made anxiety worse. Referrals have risen sharply as services reopened (Children’s Commissioner). |
| Sleep Disturbance | Poor sleep is both a symptom and a driver of anxiety. Screens before bed, disrupted routines, and worry all impair rest (NHS Digital). |
| Family and Socioeconomic Stress | Financial pressures and unstable home environments increase risk. Children in families with fewer resources are more vulnerable (NHS Digital). |
| Online Bullying and Comparison Culture | Cyberbullying and comparison with curated online lives fuel feelings of inadequacy and fear of missing out (Cambridge University). |
How Acupuncture Might Help: Evidence and Mechanisms
Acupuncture is increasingly considered a complementary therapy for anxiety, including in children and adolescents. Here is what academic research suggests.
Key Studies
Leung et al, 2018 Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Participants were children aged 8 to 16 years with general anxiety.
Compared acupuncture with a waitlist control.
Measured using MASC 2 self and parent, and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.
Results showed a significant reduction in parent-rated anxiety and improvements on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale for those who received acupuncture (PubMed).
Acupuncture for Preoperative Anxiety in Adolescents
Protocols and smaller studies suggest acupuncture, including auricular acupuncture, may reduce anxiety before surgery (Medicine Journal).
Adult Research into Generalised Anxiety Disorder with Insomnia
While not adolescent-specific, there are protocols showing acupuncture and electroacupuncture being tested for anxiety and sleep outcomes (Frontiers in Psychiatry).
Performance Anxiety in Sport
A study found acupuncture had significant effects on both cognitive and somatic anxiety in competitive settings (ClinMed Journals).
Possible Mechanisms
Acupuncture may regulate the autonomic nervous system by calming fight or flight responses and enhancing parasympathetic activity.
It may influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin, endorphins, and GABA, and reduce cortisol levels.
It may improve sleep quality, which in turn reduces anxiety.
The treatment setting itself can provide a safe and calming experience for teenagers who feel overwhelmed.
Understanding Paediatric Acupuncture
Paediatric acupuncture is not the same as adult treatment. In Chinese medicine, the channels and organ systems of the body are considered immature and still developing throughout childhood and adolescence. Because of this, the treatment is always lighter and shorter.
An adult may have several needles retained for twenty to thirty minutes. In a teenager, the approach is much more gentle. Only a few points are used, often a maximum of five needles in any one session, and they may be inserted very briefly or sometimes stimulated without being retained. This lighter touch helps balance the body without overwhelming it and makes the treatment safe, comfortable, and reassuring for younger patients.
Conclusion
If you would like to explore how acupuncture could support your teenager with anxiety, you can book an appointment here or by getting in touch with me directly. Remember, seeking help is a brave step towards healing, and you are not alone on this journey.