Identifying Common Childhood Mental Illnesses & How to Help the Child

Learning to recognize warning signs of common childhood mental illnesses could be crucial to your child's mental and physical well-being. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), studies show that one in every ten children and adolescents in the U.S. has an impairing mental illness. Five common mental illnesses kids suffer from are severe depression, bi-polar disorder, autism, eating disorders and anxiety disorders. Learn what you can do identify the symptoms of these mental illnesses and deal with the children inflicted with them.

Severe Depression in Children

Depression is a mental illness that affects 3% of children. Severe depression can negatively affect the overall well-being and functioning of a child. Warning signs of severe depression in children include:

- Emotional children. Frequent feelings of sadness, crying or low self esteem.
- Lack of motivation. No desire to play, engage in favorite activities or declining schoolwork.
- Change in sleeping patterns. Fitful, too much or too little rest.
- Change in appetite.
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Vague physical complaints. Frequently not "feeling good."
-Risk taking behavior.
- Suicidal thoughts.

If your child shows signs of severe depression, have them evaluated by a doctor. They may require antidepressant medication, therapy or a combination of both. Take an active interest in your child, give them one-on-one time and engage them in activities they excel in.

Bipolar Disorder & Manic Mental Illnesses

Children with exaggerated and frequent mood swings may suffer from a mental illness known as bipolar disorder or manic depression. Bipolar disorder is characterized by feelings of extreme highs or excitement, followed by low feelings of severe depression. Children in a manic (high) phase of bipolar disorder may:

- Talk fast and frequently.
- Get little sleep.
- Become overly productive or obsessed with tasks.
- Have risky or poor judgment.
- Grand feelings of self-worth.

Bipolar disorder or manic depression is a mental illness that has to be diagnosed by a doctor. Mood stabilizing medications are given to even things out. Parents will have to step in and ensure the child's basic needs (food, bathing, clothing, etc.) are being met during the highs and lows of this mental illness.

Autism & Pervasive Developmental Childhood Mental Disorders

According to NIMH, pervasive developmental brain disorders, such as autism, occur in two out of every 1,000 people in the U.S. These childhood mental illnesses commonly affect the ability to communicate, connect and respond. Autism indicators typically develop by the age of three. Some social, language and behavior symptoms children with autism may have are:

- Lack of response to own name.
- Poor eye contact.
- Doesn't seem to always hear.
- Dislikes cuddling. and
- Can't say previously learned words or sentences.
- Speaks with an abnormal cadence.
- Repetitive movements or action. Such as rocking, stacking or spinning.

Early identification and intervention to autism and similar mental illnesses can be made by doctors. Medicines and psychosocial therapy can improve the behavior and mental functioning of autistic children.

Eating Mental Disorders in Children

Children who are afraid to gain weight may have or develop an eating disorder. They are unable to see if they are underweight, which can be life-threatening. Eating mental disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Eating disorder symptoms to watch for are:

- Refusal to eat.
- Binge eating.
- Frequent vomiting, often resulting in foul breath.
- Obsessive exercising

Children suffering from eating disorders need an extensive and monitored doctor-ordered care plan. Medical, psychiatric and nutritional counseling will be needed.

Childhood Anxiety Illnesses

The National Institute of Mental health cites anxiety disorders as the most common mental illness in children. There are a wide variety of anxiety disorders, including Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Parents should seek help if they notice:

- Extremely high levels of fear or anxiety over common happenings.
- Compulsive, repetitive thoughts, actions or rituals.
- Re-experiencing of traumatic events.
- Physical illness due to unexplainable fear.
- Excessive fear of an object or situation.

Various medications and therapies can be prescribed by doctors to treat or even cure anxiety mental illnesses in children. Parents should help children work through their fears and never make them feel as if they themselves are odd or not a part of society.

Sources:

http://www.medhelp.org/nihlib/GF-233.html

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ca-0006/default.asp

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/ds00348/dsection=symptoms