Understanding Mental Illness in Children

A child can also be the victim of any mental issue just like adults. However, the major difference lies in their symptoms. In the USA, approximately one in five children suffer from any mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD. Their cognitive abnormalities present more challenges to them at school, at home, or with friends. Therefore, early identification, diagnosis, intervention, or treatment is helpful for the children to reach their absolute potential and live a prosperous life.

Read this article to learn everything about mental illness in children. Get a complete insight into the types of mental issues in children, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment, and help your child win the mental battle and live a stress-free life.

Mental illness in children

‘’Mental illness is a condition that affects the child’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Mental illness is also called a health disorder. It involves the altered or negative changes in the brain that result in the distressing situation’’. Children can also suffer from mental issues and face difficulty in living a normal life. Their mental health issues disrupt their ability to function normally in daily life. 

Parents, family members, and loved ones are the first ones to notice unusual changes in children’s behavior. Likewise, teachers can also identify and report the negative changes in a child’s behavior to their parents as they spend most of their time in school. As soon as things get noticed, seniors should take a step to help the children overcome mental issues. If the condition is uncontrollable then they can also take professional help. 

Types of Mental Illness in Children

There is a range of mental illnesses in children which include:

1. Anxiety disorders

Anxiety is a common mental illness in children. Children suffering from anxiety feel more stress and fear and exhibit avoidant behavior. Moreover, they do not feel control over their mind and also face difficulty in focusing, learning, and remembering things. 

Other than psychological symptoms, various physical symptoms also appear which disrupt their daily life functioning. In addition, there are different forms of anxiety disorders in children which impart a negative impact on their academic, personal, and social life.

Read More About: A Parent’s Guide to Managing Anxiety in Children

1.1. Common types of Anxiety disorders in children

The most common types of anxiety disorders in children include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Specific phobia
• Separation Anxiety disorder

2. Depression in children

Depression is also common in children. Depressed children usually have persistent feelings of sadness, fear, and loss of pleasure or interest in life activities. Depression also affects the personal relationships of children. Moreover, they do not easily make bonds or interact with others. 

3. Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder involves the sudden mood swings that make the life of children difficult. Moreover, other common symptoms of bipolar disorder include irritable behavior, aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, and sleep issues. 

4. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is also a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Approximately, 5% to 7% of school-going children suffer from ADHD. The most common symptoms of ADHD involve inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disorganized thinking patterns. Due to these ADHD symptoms, children face difficulty in each aspect of their life.

Read More About:  Best Tips To Manage ADHD Symptoms In Children

5. Autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a mental illness that affects the neurological state of children. This mental illness appears in the early childhood stage. However, if this mental illness is not treated on time then it can persist to adulthood stages. Children suffering from autism spectrum disorder face difficulty in social interactions. Moreover, they feel trouble talking with others and therefore prefer to stay alone instead of communicating with others.

6. Eating disorders

Most of the children are also victims of eating disorders. Eating disorders involve disorganized thoughts regarding weight and unsafe eating habits or patterns. In addition, some underestimate while some overestimate their body weight or size.

The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. The untreated condition can result in malnutrition, stunted growth, and multiple other negative consequences. 

7. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is more common in adulthood stages but it can also affect children. This mental illness comprises hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech and thought patterns. Due to these symptoms, schizophrenic children can not learn and function properly. 

8. Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic Stress disorder is a mental condition that develops in those children who have experienced any life-threatening situation. For example, any loss of a loved one, sexual or domestic abuse, or any natural incident can also cause the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder in children. The most common symptoms of PTSD include emotional instability, often nightmares, flashbacks, aggressive behavior, etc. 

9. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by recurrent unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Both obsessions and compulsions can strongly interfere with a child’s academic performance and social life. 

10. Disruptive behavior disorders 

Children suffering from disruptive behavior disorder are usually non-cooperative and show defiant behavior. They are mostly disruptive in different environments such as school. 

11. Tic disorders 

In tic disorder, children show repeated and involuntary movements which are referred to as tics.

What are the major warning signs of mental illness in children?

The most common warning signs of mental illness in children comprise the following:

1. Abnormal changes in mood

• Sudden and more frequent Mood alterations
• Persistent stress or fear 
• Irritable behavior
• Sleep disturbance

2. Withdrawal behavior

• Social isolation
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities 

3. Aggression

• Anger outbursts 
• Difficulty in controlling emotions 

Other common signs or symptoms of mental issues in children include

• Lack of focus or concentration
• Increased defiance
• Unusual fears 
• Suicidal thoughts 
• Abnormal eating patterns
• Negative change in behavior

Some other physical symptoms that are common in mental disorders in children such as

• Headache
• Body ache
• Fatigue
• Low energy levels 
• Racing heartbeat 

What are the causes of mental disorders in children?

The exact cause behind the onset of mental disorders in children is unknown but researchers suggest that multiple factors combine and result in the development of mental illness such as:

1. Genetics

Multiple studies have reported that most of the mental issues in children are genetic as the genes are transferred from parent to child and become a contributing factor. Likewise, if any of the siblings have the genes then there is a greater possibility of others suffering mental issues. 

2. Brain dysfunctioning

Certain brain regions which are involved in controlling thoughts, emotions, and behavior, or when not functioning properly can also result in mental health issues in children.

3. Chemical imbalance

Neurotransmitters are the specialized chemicals that control the different functions of the brain. However, an imbalance in certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine can result in the onset of mental illness in children. 

4. Environmental stress factors 

External stress factors can also trigger mental issues in children such as:

• Continued stress
• Trauma
• Neglecting behavior from parents or friends
• Loss of any loved ones
• Childhood abuse
• Domestic abuse 
• Sexual abuse 
• Financial loss
• Bullying 
• Family dynamics
• Social isolation
• Any long-term illness

Comparison of younger Children & Older Children with mental illness

How is mental illness in children diagnosed?

Parents first observe the child’s behavior so they can also evaluate the mental health of their child. However, only professional mental health experts can better identify the mental state. 

Experts perform the comprehensive evaluation which involves:

• Complete analysis of the child’s symptoms and behavior in a serene and friendly therapeutic environment
• Parent interviews to collect information or discuss things regarding the child’s developmental history, previous medical history, family history, relationship with loved ones, etc,
• Discussion with the teachers to gather information about their academic performance, behavior in the classroom and with friends 
• After collecting the information, experts decide to develop a treatment strategy that best suits the mental state of the affected individual., In some cases, they also involve their parents while on the other hand, they directly interact with the suffering child and teach them ways to get over their mental issues. 

What are the barriers to the treatment of a child’s mental issues?

• Younger children do not completely express themselves and therefore do not get the treatment on time.
• The stigma linked with mental health is also a major barrier to getting timely treatment for mental issues. 
• Many parents or caregivers are not aware of the signs or symptoms of mental issues and therefore, mental issues in children remain undiagnosed or get delayed. 

How is mental illness in children treated?

Multiple ways are useful for the effective treatment or management of psychiatric disorders in children such as:

1. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy in which mental health professionals directly communicate with children suffering from any common mental issues. Different types of psychotherapy are used to treat mental issues in children such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. First, experts identify the trigger factors of their mental issues and then develop a treatment plan depending on the mental state of each affected child. In addition, experts develop a secure, friendly, and non-judgmental environment so each child speaks without any fear. 

Psychotherapy for children also involves certain games or activities that not only develop the interest of children but also teach them effective skills to deal with their mental issues. Children learn multiple coping or preventing strategies which help the children to positively change their negative thoughts and behavior.

2. Medications

Medications do not help in providing a permanent cure for mental illness. They help in managing the symptoms that affect essential life functioning. Experts usually recommend the following psychiatric medications to treat the mental disorders in children:

• Anti Anxiety medications
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics 
• Mood Stabilizers

3. Family Counseling 

Family counseling is also considered a significant tool to deal with psychiatric issues in children. In family counseling sessions, experts guide the parents on how they can understand their child’s mental state and the mental health challenges that they are facing. Moreover, parents learn numerous ways to help their child in getting rid of their mental issues.

4. Individual/Group therapy

Therapy sessions are of two major types that function according to the requirements. Individual therapy is effective for those children who do not feel comfortable in the presence of others. In individual group therapy sessions, children speak their hearts out and get the best treatment solutions.

On the other hand, group therapy is effective for those children who have reduced confidence and self-esteem. In group therapy sessions, children learn multiple social skills and preventive or coping strategies to deal with their underlying mental illness. 

Creative therapies

Creative therapies are ideal as children get the guidance and support to express their emotions and thoughts. The most common creative therapies are as follows:

• Art therapy
• Dance/Movement therapy 
• Play therapy
• Music therapy
• Drama therapy

Positive lifestyle changes 

With some positive and productive lifestyle changes, children can overcome or prevent their mental issues. Major significant  life alterations include:

• Healthy diet
• Adequate sleep
• Regular exercise 

How to support a child with mental health issues?

To help your child in getting rid of mental illness, do the following things:

• Create a secure and supportive environment.
• Encourage open communication
• Listen and make them feel safe and heard
• Encourage their positive behavior
• Avoid criticism
• Spend some quality time with them.

• Develop a structured routine.
• Make a connection with support groups

What are the long-term negative impacts of untreated mental disorders in children?

If the mental issues in children are not treated in the early stages then they persist to adulthood stages. Then adults have to suffer more in all areas of their lives. Moreover, adults with mental issues also become more susceptible to substance abuse. 

What Research Is Being Done on Mental Disorders in Children?

There is an extensive search on mental illness in children and researchers are focused on better understanding the factors of mental issues. Although sufficient data is available still they are investigating how environmental factors or other factors negatively influence the mental state of children. Moreover, they have also explored and developed more effective interventions to improve the mental state of children. 

Exceptional & Reliable Mental Health Treatment at Brainpower Wellness Institute

Every child deserves sound mental health. If you think your child is grappling with any mental illness then you can consider the Brain Power Wellness Institute to get the best mental health treatment solutions for your child.  We have a team of mental health experts who are well-versed in each aspect of mental health treatment and the best suitable treatment options. Whether your child is suffering from anxiety, depression, or any other mental issue, we have the best treatment options that can help your child take control of their mind and break all the barriers to mental stability.