Types of Mental Disorders That Can Develop in Teenagers

Teenage or adolescence is the first period of life where behavioural and mental health problems constitute a major category of health problems. Teen lifestyle has now become more complicated. You might think that teenagers and adolescents live carefree lives with no worries. Unfortunately, that is not true. Mental health disorders are common among teenagers. Studies show that twenty per cent, that is, 1 out of 5 teens suffers from mental illnesses that can disrupt their lifestyle and create hindrances in daily life. 

Early Signs of Mental Illnesses include mood swings and unusual behaviours. Ignoring these signs will lead to mounting consequences, such as poor academics, criminal behaviour, getting in trouble, developing more severe mental illness, and failure to perform regular activities. So, if you are a parent of a teen who struggles with a mental disorder, it is time to understand their problem and find ways to help your child.

Types of Mental Health Disorders in Teens

Here, are some types of mental disorders:

1. Depression: It is the most common disorder in adolescents, affecting 3% of youth across the globe. It is a mental disorder that has various symptoms including negative thoughts, frequent mood changes, sleep problems, feeling of guilt, and suicidal thoughts. During this time, teenagers may suffer from low energy, and physical aches and pains. Parents need to ask for professional help for their teen child. 
2. ADHD:  Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an inability that affects the learning and behaviour of a person. For teens, this mental illness makes completing a task harder, they get easily distracted, have poor listening skills, and show impulsive behaviours. Therefore, parents need to focus on treating this disorder as soon as possible, so that their future is not ruined.
3. Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety is one of the most common mental diseases among children aged 10 to 14, and 5% of those aged 15 to 19. It comprises not just the dread of isolation but also becoming overly concerned about things and situations that are not harmful.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Here, are some Anxiety disorder symptoms:

• Constant feelings of fear  
• Restlessness and irritability
• Prediction of the worst-case scenario
• Shortness of breath and a racing heart
• Tiredness and an upset stomach
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping regularly
• Feeling tense or jittery

It also has subtypes, including panic disorder, Social anxiety, Trauma disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Phobias. 

1. Psychosis: This type of mental disorder occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood. In this mental illness, a teen will suffer from visual and auditory hallucinations and believe in delusions. However, It is tough to identify the warning signs of Psychosis. Early intervention can help to deal with this situation.
2. Eating Disorder: Teens are affected by eating disorders, where they use food to soothe emotional pain or fill the void in their life. It also gives them a sense of control. However, eating disorders such as Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge-eating disorder can be life-threatening and cause weight gain or loss. It affects females more than males.

Find the Right Treatment for Mental Health in Teens

Being a parent, family member or friend of a teen struggling with a mental health condition can be a stressful experience. You can seek medical treatment for their fast recovery and decrease the impact on their life. Any untreated mental issue can increase suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, aggression, and aggravated mental illness throughout adulthood. So, it is best to consult a doctor from the best paediatric hospital in Raipur and take mental health treatment. You can consult a mental health professional or a Pediatrician at CARE Hospitals if you encounter such issues in your teenagers.