Anxiety Disorder

A 13-year-old adolescent male was admitted for comprehensive psychiatric evaluation due to longstanding behavioral and emotional challenges. His symptoms included aggression, school refusal, facial tics, speech hesitancy, selective mutism under stress, sensory hypersensitivity, and rigid, obsessive behaviors. These difficulties began in early 2023, initially presenting as school-related anxiety and emotional dependency on a close caregiver. Over time, his symptoms escalated to include emotional withdrawal, crying spells, and physical aggression, significantly impairing his daily functioning and academic engagement.

Developmental history revealed a late preterm birth with early neonatal complications, though gross and fine motor milestones were achieved on time. Speech difficulties, including stammering, emerged after age six. The child was diagnosed with Specific Learning Disability affecting reading and mathematics, and academic underperformance was noted from early grades. He also displayed emotional reactivity, difficulty interpreting social cues, and distress in response to changes in routine. Family history includes neurological and psychiatric vulnerabilities across multiple generations.

Following a period of intensive psychiatric care, the child is now showing significant improvement. He is currently engaged in regular psychotherapy and behavioral interventions, which have helped reduce emotional reactivity and improve coping skills. Importantly, he has resumed attending school consistently and is participating in academic and social activities with growing confidence. His progress reflects the benefits of a structured, multidisciplinary approach that includes therapeutic support, family involvement, and educational accommodations tailored to his needs.