Adolescent Mental Disorders
Mental disorders in children and adolescents are increasingly recognised due to improved awareness and improved accessibility to treatment.
A mental disorder in a child is defined as a delay or deficit in achieving age and cultural appropriate thinking, behaving, emotional regulation and social skills.
Common mental disorders in
children include:
1. Anxiety disorder
2. Mood disorders esp. Depressive illnesses
3. Attention deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
4. Eating disorders
5. Substance use disorders
6. Autistic spectrum disorders
Treatment
Treatment involves a combination of medication (registered for safe use in children) and individual as well as family therapy. Parents must receive psychoeducation and be upskilled with helping the child regulate their emotions or distressing symptoms.
Mental disorders may present very different in children compared to adults.Tell tale signs include:
1. Social withdrawal
2. Lack of interest in hobbies
3. School avoidance or absenteeism
4. Frequent somatic complaints
5. Drop in academic achievements
6. Irritability, argumentativeness, rebellious behavior
7. Defiant behavior
8. Substance use
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