Mental Health Conditions Among Children – A Growing Problem

Mental Health Conditions Among Children – A Growing Problem

Mental Health Problems Among Children Mental disorders in children are quite common, occurring in about one-quarter of this age group in any given year. The most common childhood mental disorders are anxiety disorders, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Young people are increasingly more likely than adults to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder, according to a large new study.

Nearly 5 million children in the U.S. have some type of serious mental illness. In any given year, 20% of American children will be diagnosed with a mental illness.

A survey finds mental health problems among children are a growing problem for schools

The Most Common Mental Health Conditions

There are several different types of mental disorders that can affect children and adolescents, including:  Anxiety disorders  Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)  Disruptive behaviour disorder  Eating disorder  Learning & communication disorders  Mood disorders  Schizophrenia

Symptoms of Mental Illness Symptoms in children vary depending on the type of mental illness, but some of the general symptoms include:  Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol  Inability to cope with daily problems and activities  Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits  Excessive complaints of physical ailments  Defying authority, skipping school, stealing, or damaging property  Long-lasting negative moods, often accompanied by poor appetite and thoughts of death  Frequent outbursts of anger  Changes in school performance, such as getting poor grades despite good efforts  Loss of interest in friends and activities they usually enjoy  Significant increase in time spent alone

Who Is Affected?  Millions of American children live with depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, Tourette syndrome or a host of other mental health issues.  ADHD was the most prevalent current diagnosis among children aged 3–17 years.  The number of children with a mental disorder increased with age, with the exception of autism spectrum disorders, which was highest among 6 to 11 year old children.  Boys were more likely than girls to have ADHD, behavioral or conduct problems, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, Tourette syndrome, and cigarette dependence.  Adolescent boys aged 12–17 years were more likely than girls to die by suicide.  Adolescent girls were more likely than boys to have depression or an alcohol use disorder.

Data collected from a variety of data sources between the years 2005-2011 show : Children aged 3-17 years currently had : Problems

Percentage

ADHD

6.8%

Behavioural or Conduct

3.5%

Anxiety

3.0%

Depression

2.1%

Autism disorder

1.1%

Tourette syndrome

0.2%

Cause of Mental Disorders 1.

Heredity: Many mental disorders run in families, suggesting that the disorders, or more accurately, a vulnerability to the disorders, might be passed on from parents to children through genes.

2. Biology: As in adults, many mental disorders in children have been linked to abnormal functioning of particular brain regions that control emotion, thinking, perception, and behavior. Head traumas also can sometimes lead to changes in mood and personality.

Cause of Mental Disorders

3. Psychological trauma:Â Some mental disorders might be triggered by psychological trauma, such as severe emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; an important early loss, such as the loss of a parent; and neglect.

4. Environmental stress:Â Stressful or traumatic events can trigger a disorder in a person with a vulnerability to a mental disorder.

What You Can Do  Parents: You know your child best. Talk to your child's health care professional if you have concerns about the way your child behaves at home, in school, or with friends.  Youth: It is just as important to take care of your mental health as it is your physical health. If you are angry, worried or sad, don't be afraid to talk about your feelings and reach out to a trusted friend or adult.  Health care professionals: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on updated guidelines is very important. There are resources available to help diagnose and treat children's mental disorders.  Teachers/School Administrators: Early identification is important, so that children can get the help they need. Work with families and health care professionals if you have concerns about the mental health of a child in your school.