Mental health disorders in children have become an emerging threat to the way that healthcare systems run and the manner in which they are practiced all around the world. These mental disorders range from a vast array of etiologies (causes), and can stem from neurodevelopmental causes, behavioral causes, and emotional disorders that have a massive impact on the psychological and social well-being of families around the world, and children who are part of the family. Children suffering from these disorders may require extra assistance and guidance from their families and may require special educational institutions to support them. These children may experience a slow and compromised developmental process and ill children would require medical services to be available to them around the clock, depending in the severity of the illness.
Why Are Mental Disorders in Children Difficult to Identify?
Mental health problems are difficult to identify at a very young age because it is hard to know what “normal development is” vs abnormal development, given a wide away of cultural differences in what defines “mental health” Therefore, most parents fail to identify whether their child has a mental illness. Furthermore, many families are afraid to “expose” the child with his or her mental illness. Although mental disorders in children have had a rapid increment in recent years, many adults still either fail to recognize the signs or symptoms of mental illness in children or ignore them. Even if some parents are aware and educated about the red flags that indicate a serious mental issue, it can often be difficult to classify which kind of behavior can be categorized as normal childhood behavior and which kind reflects upon a serious mental disorder and needs treatment. Since mental illness is so stigmatized in our society, the use of medication for its treatment and the cost of this treatment just becomes another factor that prevents a lot of parents from seeking help for their children.
Why Are Mental Disorders in Children Difficult to Identify?
Mental health problems are difficult to identify at a very young age because it is hard to know what “normal development is” vs abnormal development, given a wide away of cultural differences in what defines “mental health” Therefore, most parents fail to identify whether their child has a mental illness. Furthermore, many families are afraid to “expose” the child with his or her mental illness. Although mental disorders in children have had a rapid increment in recent years, many adults still either fail to recognize the signs or symptoms of mental illness in children or ignore them. Even if some parents are aware and educated about the red flags that indicate a serious mental issue, it can often be difficult to classify which kind of behavior can be categorized as normal childhood behavior and which kind reflects upon a serious mental disorder and needs treatment. Since mental illness is so stigmatized in our society, the use of medication for its treatment and the cost of this treatment just becomes another factor that prevents a lot of parents from seeking help for their children.
Types of Mental Disorders in Children.
Following are a few mental disorders a lot of children all over the world suffer from:
1. Anxiety Disorder: Children who suffer from anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, or a generalized anxiety disorder experience a continuous problem with their stress level that impact negatively.
2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): This mental condition includes symptoms like a very short attention span, restlessness, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. Some children who suffer from ADHD exhibit all of these symptoms while others may only have a few.
3. Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disease that restricts the patient to the confines of their mind. Gradually, the child suffering from Schizophrenia loses touch with reality. This illness is usually diagnosed in the late teens of most people.
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Autism Spectrum disorder is classified as a serious developmental disorder diagnosed in early childhood of the affected patient. The severity of its symptoms varies from person to person, but most children suffering from ASD have difficulty in communicating and interacting with other people.
Following are a few mental disorders a lot of children all over the world suffer from:
1. Anxiety Disorder: Children who suffer from anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, or a generalized anxiety disorder experience a continuous problem with their stress level that impact negatively.
2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): This mental condition includes symptoms like a very short attention span, restlessness, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. Some children who suffer from ADHD exhibit all of these symptoms while others may only have a few.
3. Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disease that restricts the patient to the confines of their mind. Gradually, the child suffering from Schizophrenia loses touch with reality. This illness is usually diagnosed in the late teens of most people.
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Autism Spectrum disorder is classified as a serious developmental disorder diagnosed in early childhood of the affected patient. The severity of its symptoms varies from person to person, but most children suffering from ASD have difficulty in communicating and interacting with other people.
How We Can Help? Mental and developmental disorders in children need to be recognized and treated. There are a lot of ways that can benefit your child’s treatment process. For example, therapy can help treat a lot of behavioral issues. Come meet us, we can collaborate to ensure that your child receives the treatment they deserve and have a shot at spending their life as most healthy children do. All you need is a little bit of courage and some faith that with our professional help, your child will feel and live better.
At Psychiatrists of McLean, we want you to live a fulfilled and content life. Please contact us at 646-770-2110 to learn more.