Teenage Depression And Anxiety Are Common Problems

Teenage depression and anxiety are common problems. Many of the same mental health disorders that affect adults affect teenagers. Despite this, many teenagers go undiagnosed and untreated for treatable diseases.

Having an issue with one’s mental health can happen to everyone. Although some kids are genetically predisposed to mental illness, all teens, including straight-A academics and athletes, are at risk.

Teenage Depression and Anxiety are Two of the Most Common Mental Health Issues

Become familiar with the most prevalent mental health issues that teenagers encounter. Look for potential issues and seek expert help if needed. You can help your adolescent obtain the help she needs if you act quickly.

Depression

National surveys on drug use and health by SAMHSA indicated that 8 percent of 12 to 17-year-olds have suffered from a major depressive episode in the past year. Depression is more common in women than in men.

Depressive disorders can be divided into four categories. More than half of youth who satisfy the criteria for depression report that their symptoms significantly impact their social or academic lives.

Treatment for depression is generally relatively simple. In certain cases, a combination of therapy and medicine can provide the most effective treatment for symptoms. Depression might worsen if it is not addressed.

Anxiety

One in eight adolescents in the 13 to 18 age range, says the National Institute of Mental Health, has anxiety issues.

Additionally, a teenager’s life might be significantly affected by anxiety. A teen’s capacity to interact socially with their peers is frequently hampered as a result. Teens’ education can also be affected. Teenagers suffering from severe anxiety may be unable to leave their residence.

Many different kinds of anxiety exist. Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety, can make it difficult for teens to speak up in class or participate in social activities.

Anxiety disorders are commonly treated with talk therapy. Developing coping mechanisms and overcoming anxieties might be beneficial for teenagers.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADD/ADHD is a condition that affects roughly nine percent of children between the ages of 2 and 17 according to the CDC. A wide age range is possible for ADHD symptoms, however they may not be a problem until the adolescent years or later.

Students may not suffer academic difficulties until later in life, when the job becomes more challenging, like in high school.

In addition to hyperactive and inattentive forms of ADHD, there are also impulsive and inattentive forms. Combinations of types are also possible.

Regarding schoolwork, hyperactive teens have trouble concentrating, can’t sit still, and are constantly on the go. The inattentive sort of adolescent is easily distracted and lacks focus.

Therapy and medication are typically used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Treatment may also include parent training to help the family better manage their symptoms in the home.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

It is estimated that 1 to 16 percent of adolescents have ODD, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Early elementary school is a common time for ODD to begin to manifest. Left untreated, it can lead to a more serious behavioral issue, a conduct disorder.

ODD is characterized by excessive defiance, verbal and physical aggressiveness, and a desire to retaliate against those who wrong them.

Adolescents with ODD may have difficulty forming and maintaining appropriate interpersonal relationships, and their behavior frequently interferes with academic performance. Treatment for ODD may include parental training programs and counseling.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and bingeing. 2.7% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 have an eating disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Males are more prone than females to suffer from an eating disorder, but both sexes are susceptible.

Bumpy eating and laxative use are common symptoms of anorexia, whereas anorexics reduce their food intake to starvation. Binge eaters eat big amounts of food in a short period of time without attempting to stop themselves.

An eating disorder can seriously harm a teen’s physical health. In many cases, a patient’s health must be closely monitored in addition to intensive therapy.

Is It Time To Hire a Professional?

If you suspect your kid has a mental health problem, get them the care they need as soon as possible. Consult a mental health expert or your child’s doctor if you have concerns.

Meaningful articles you might like: How to Identify and Treat Depression in Children, Children with Autism Diagnosis are Likely to Have Suicidal Thoughts, Assisting Children in Dealing with Their Emotions