Mental health disorders in kids are quite common. They affect how a child regulates their feelings and behaviour. These disorders can disrupt a child’s thinking and change their social skills. In most cases, children may display abnormal behaviour, especially during puberty. So, as a parent, you may hardly notice the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions.
Yet, extreme behaviour may be a sign that your child has a treatable mental disorder. As such, you need to look out for any symptoms of common mental health conditions to prevent long term effects. Here are some mental health disorders in kids, their causes, and treatment options at Venture Academy.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a common condition in kids, which can also progress in adulthood if untreated. The primary cause of this condition, as well as many mental health disorders in kids, is genetics. For instance, a child may inherit it from either parent. Moreover, consuming alcohol and tobacco when pregnant may increase the risk of ADHD. Also, exposure to toxins like lead may affect brain development and lead to ADHD.
It is difficult for most parents to identify if their child has ADHD. This is because it is natural for children to display hyperactive behaviour. But, a keen observation can help distinguish between ADHD and hyperactivity. When your child suffers from this condition, they will find it difficult to focus on a specific task. Additionally, they may struggle to control their behaviour and energy levels. Other symptoms of ADHD include organizational problems, forgetfulness, boredom, and frustrations.
Anxiety
Anxiety refers to various mental health disorders that may cause stress and worry in a child. Panic is a type of anxiety that involves recurrent episodes of sudden intense unease. Your child can suffer from separation anxiety after parting with another person who played a parental role. What’s more, children with generalized anxiety may worry excessively. For instance, they may worry about their tasks, family issues, and grades. Another form of anxiety is Agoraphobia. In this case, a child becomes fearful, feels trapped, and embarrassed. This makes the teen avoid some situations, people, and places that trigger these feelings. The child may also show symptoms such as concentration problems and increased irritability. Moreover, they are sleepless, restless, and suffer from fatigue after taking part in ordinary activities.
Bi-Polar
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes a person to experience extreme moods. These feelings may range from low depressive levels to manic highs. This condition can also make your child experience unusual shifts in their activities and energy levels. The child may become extremely talkative, happy, and more active when they are on the extreme highs(mania). Hence, they may become sleepless and talk for a prolonged period, then show impaired judgment. Other symptoms of this condition in kids include delusion, defiance, and aggression. In severe cases, the child may attempt suicide or engage in hazardous activities.
Treatment Options for Mental Health Disorders in Kids
Most treatment options for children are similar to those applied to adults. In case your child has a mental condition, they may undergo either one or a combination of treatments to recover fully. The nature of the treatment he or she receives depends on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common options include:
- Behaviour treatment
- Physiotherapy
- Medication
- Creative therapy
Treating mental health disorders in kids can help prevent such conditions from becoming severe. Also, early treatments prevent them from suffering in adulthood and improves their self-esteem. At Venture Academy, we provide a variety of treatment options for troubled teens throughout Canada. We can help your kid overcome mental health disorders and lead a healthy life. Our treatment programs include therapy and counseling, emotional development support, and experiential learning. Call us today at 866.762.2211 to help your child overcome a mental health disorder.
