Child mental health problems_Aug

Child mental health problems_Aug

Mental health problems are affecting 10% to 20% of children and teenagers in the world. The exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, but research suggests that a combination of factors, including heredity, biology, psychological trauma and environmental stress, may be involved. Most mental illnesses are caused by a combination of factors and cannot be prevented. However, if symptoms are recognized and treatment is started early, many of the distressing and disabling effects of a mental illness may be prevented or at least minimized.

Children´s symptoms vary depending on the type of mental illness, but some of the general symptoms include: Changes in school performance, such as poor grades despite good efforts;Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol; Inability to cope with daily problems and activities; Changes insleeping and/or eating habits; Excessive complaints of physical ailments; Defying authority, skipping school, stealing or damaging property; Intense fear of gaining weight; Long-lasting negative moods, often accompanied by poor appetite and thoughts of death; Frequent outbursts of anger; Loss of interest in friends and activities they usually enjoy; Significant increase in time spent alone; Excessive worrying or anxiety; Hyperactivity; Persistent nightmares or night terrors; Persistent disobedience or aggressive behavior; Frequent temper tantrums; Hearing voices or seeing things that are not there (hallucinations).

As with adults, mental illnesses in children are diagnosed based on signs and symptoms that suggest a particular disorder. However, this process can be especially challenging with children. Many behaviors that are seen as symptoms of mental disorders, such as shyness, anxiety (nervousness), strange eating habits and temper tantrums, can occur as a normal part of a child´s development. Behaviors become symptoms when they occur very often, last a long time, occur at an unusual age or cause significant disruption to the child´s and/or family´s ability to function.

If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical exam. Although there are no tests to specifically diagnose mental disorders, the doctor may use various tests, such as X-rays and blood tests, to rule out physical illness or medication side effects as the cause of the symptoms. If no physical illness is found, the child may be referred to a child and adolescent mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illness in children and teens. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a child for a mental disorder. The doctor often must rely on reports from the child´s parents, teachers and other adults because children often have trouble explaining their problems or understanding their symptoms.

Mental illnesses are like many medical disorders that require ongoing treatment. Although much progress has been made in the treatment of adults with mental disorders, the treatment of children is not as well understood. For now, many of the treatment options used for children, including many medications, are the same as what is used to treat adults. The most common treatment options used include:

• Medication: Many mental illnesses can be effectively treated with medications.
• Psychotherapy: It addresses the emotional response to mental illness. Types of psychotherapy often used with children are supportive, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, group and family therapy.
• Creative therapies: Certain therapies, such as art therapy or play therapy, may be helpful, especially with young children who may have trouble communicating their thoughts and feelings.

When treated appropriately and early, many children can fully recover from their mental illness or successfully control their symptoms. While some children become disabled adults because of a chronic or severe disorder, many people who have a mental illness are able to live full and productive lives. It is very important to seek treatment for your child if they are displaying any symptoms of mental illness. Without treatment, many mental disorders can continue into adulthood and lead to problems in all areas of the person´s adult life. People with untreated mental disorders are at high risk for many problems, including alcohol or drug abuse, and violent or self-destructive behavior, even suicide.