Identifying Signs of Mental Health Issues in Children

Identifying Indicators of Mental Health Issues in Kids

Mental Health in Children and Teens: Understanding Common Disorders and Seeking Help

Mental health disorders are increasingly prevalent among children and teenagers, with more than one in three individuals aged 6 to 18 experiencing at least one mental health condition. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mental health disorders affecting children and teens, their symptoms, and resources for support.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to socialize and communicate. Symptoms in children and teens may include language delays, difficulty making eye contact, over- or under-stimulation of the senses, difficulty reading and using nonverbal cues, absence of pretend play, difficulty socializing with non-autistic children, and using repetitive self-stimulation to soothe.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Approximately 9.4% of children ages 4-17 have ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD in children and teens include inability to focus, engaging in impulsive behaviors, trouble completing simple assignments, losing items repeatedly, fidgeting, and difficulty sitting still.

Anxiety

Anxiety in children and teens can manifest as physical symptoms such as stomachaches and headaches. It is essential to recognise these symptoms and provide support to help manage anxiety.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and teens can cause unwanted thoughts that result in repetitive behaviors.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, are mental health conditions that often have mental health components. Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a lesser-known eating disorder diagnosed in children, where an adolescent refuses to eat due to concerns about the appearance or texture of foods, or out of fear of becoming sick.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Substance use disorder (SUD) in older children and teens can present with symptoms such as withdrawing from friends and family, extreme changes in mood, inability to focus, taking unhealthy risks, and suicidal thoughts.

Schizophrenia

Symptoms of schizophrenia in children and teens include withdrawing or isolating, obsessive thoughts, lack of emotion, disorganized thoughts, delusions or hallucinations. Schizophrenia symptoms often develop between the late teens to early adulthood and can resemble depression or anxiety in its early stages.

Depression

Depression in children and teens can also present as physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches, and is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.

Seeking Help

If you suspect that your child or teenager is suffering from any of these mental health disorders, it is crucial to seek help. In the United States, organizations such as the Youth Consultation Service (YCS), the New Jersey Association for Infant Mental Health, and similar child and adolescent mental health services offer support and treatment for children and adolescents potentially suffering from mental health disorders and their parents.

If thoughts of suicide arise, seek immediate help through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, Befrienders Worldwide, local emergency room or psychiatric care center, or by calling 911.

It is essential to remember that half of these children with mental health conditions receive no treatment. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in managing and treating mental health disorders in children and teens.