Psychological issues in children are quite common and could affect them severely if left unaddressed or untreated. At least 25% of children and teenagers experience some type of mental health disorder in their lives.
Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams said more than 20% of American children suffer from a mental illness during a given year, while nearly 5 million American children and teenagers have a serious mental health illness, according to WebMD.
For most parents, identifying a mental health disorder in children could be difficult, which is why most cases go undetected. So, parents should understand how to recognize early signs of mental health disorders in children and seek help.
Common Mental Health Disorders in Children
One of the most common kinds of mental disorders in children and teens is anxiety, especially generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Others include behavior disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and substance use disorders. Let us have a look at some of the common mental health issues in children and teens.
- Anxiety Disorders
In children, anxiety disorders are characterized by constant fears, worries, or anxiety that affect their ability to communicate to participate in schools or plays. Social anxiety, GAD, and obsessive-compulsive disorders are common issues among children.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Children with ADHD often have difficulties in paying attention. Other symptoms of ADHD include impulsive behaviors and hyperactivity. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in children, according to WebMD. It affects 8%-10% of school-aged children.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is another common psychological and neurological condition that appears in early childhood. Children with ASD have difficulty communicating and interacting with others. ASD affects one out of every 59 children, according to MedicineNet.
- Eating Disorders
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (loss of appetite), bulimia nervosa (increase appetite), and binge-eating disorder are common among children and teens, which could lead to weight loss or weight gain. Eating disorders can lead to emotional or social dysfunction.
- Depression or Mood Disorders
Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest can affect a child’s ability to function and interact with others. A mood disorder can result in extreme emotional or behavioral highs in children. Depression occurs at a rate of about 2% during childhood and from 4%-7% during adolescence, affecting up to about 20% of adolescents by the time they reach adulthood, according to MedicineNet.
Children with mental health disorder may experience the following symptoms:
- poor performance at school
- persistent boredom
- frequent complaints of headaches or stomachaches
- difficulty sleep
- appetite problems
- aggressive behavior or non-compliant
- bedwetting
- noncompliant
- risk-taking behaviors
- Mental health disorder treatment in children
There are a variety of treatments for managing mental health issues in children. They include educational and occupational interventions, psychotherapy, and effective medications. Medications for mental health disorders in children may include stimulant and non-stimulant ones, especially for treating ADHD and ASD. Antidepressants, anxiolytics, and neuroleptic medications are used for major bipolar disorders. In most children with mental health disorders, psychotherapy plays a key role. In some, nutritional and educational interventions help children to overcome psychological illnesses.
