Adolescent Mental Health

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Many children have mental health problems that interfere with normal development and functioning. Problems can stem from marriage breakdowns, sibling rivalry, sexual abuse and bullying to name but a few. Research suggests that the problem is so bad in the United States one in ten children suffer from a mental disorder severe enough to cause some level of impairment.

Such problems can include but are not limited to:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive evelopmental Disorders)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia
• Behavioural problems can occur in children of all ages and may start in early life. Toddlers and young children may refuse to do as they are asked by adults even though the parent or other adult figure may repeat a request multiple times. They can be rude, swear and have tantrums; punching and kicking of other people is also common; as is breaking toys or being spiteful to other children.
  
  
• Some children have serious behavioural problems; many are less severe and may simply be the result of a naughty or spoilt child. Signs of this to look out for with more sever forms of behavioural problems include:

• if a child continues to behave badly for several months or longer, is repeatedly being disobedient, cheeky and aggressive
• if a child's behaviour is out of character and repeatedly breaks family rules or thos eof a school or community, it is likely that this is much more than ordinary childish mischief or adolescent rebellion.
  
  This sort of behaviour can affect a child's development, and can interfere with their ability to lead a normal life. When behaviour is this much of a problem, it is called a conduct disorder.
  

Many young children aged from 2-6 can be inattentive and restless however this doesn't necessarily mean they are suffering from ADHD or ADD.

The terms `attention deficit', `attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder', `hyperkinetic disorder' and `hyperactivity' are used by professionals to describe the problems of children who are overactive and have difficulty concentrating. The signs to look out for with children who may be suffering ADHS include:

• being continually restless, fidgety and very active
• continuously talking and interrupting people
• being easily distracted and unable to finish or complete tasks
• are inattentive and cannot concentrate on tasks; even those that are very simple and easy for most children
• are impulsive and do doing things suddenly and unexpectedly without thinking first or considering the consequences
• have difficulty waiting their turn, sharing or waiting in line or in a queue.

Self Harm

Deliberate self-harm is a term used when someone injures or harms themselves on purpose; commonly occuring in younger people in their teenage years. Common examples include overdosing on purpose (poisoning), hitting, cutting or burning, pulling hair or picking skin or in extreme cases self-strangulation. It can also include taking illegal drugs and excessive amounts of alcohol.

Self-harm is always a sign that something more seriously is wrong in the persons life. Self-harm can be commonly triggered by an argument with a parent, step-parent or friend. When family life involves constant abuse, neglect or rejection an outcome is that people are more likely to harm themselves. Young people who are depressed, or have an eating disorder, are also at increased risk of self-harm; as are those who are concerned over body image, are teased or bullied. People who take illegal drugs or excessive amounts of alcohol are also at risk of self harm.

Are you or someone you know contemplating suicide. Help is at hand, click here for more information.

Click here for resources for Mental Health Professionals

If you are concerned about your child, a friend of someone you know seek help and assistance from a trained mental health specialist or service provider in your state or territory.