Children with anxiety problems or disorders—at least 5% of whom having significant problems such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive or post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, or other phobias or disabling fears—can have varying reactions and social consequences from upset and worry to anger, uncooperative behaviour and even aggression. Left unmanaged, anxiety in young people can worsen and lead to development of other problems such as depression.
Young people with depression are much more likely than other children to have low-self-esteem, problems in school, physical ailments and substance use disorders.
Conduct and attention deficit disorders, which may include hyperactivity, reduce a child’s ability to direct and control his or her attention. Left untreated, these illnesses can interfere with the learning process and make it difficult for a child to live in harmony with family and friends.
Psychosis is a serious condition that often strikes young people, and often goes undetected for months and even years. It’s characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, social withdrawal and at its most extreme, loss of contact with reality. The symptoms of psychosis may be related to ongoing illnesses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and some forms of unipolar or bipolar affective disorder (also known as depression and manic depression). Since early detection of psychosis is associated with a better chance of recovery, it’s important to intervene as soon as possible.
Like adults, young people develop mental illness for a variety of reasons. Some children develop depression in response to major life changes such as moving to a new city, being bullied or going through their parents’ divorce. Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa may be linked to depression, social pressures, low self-esteem and disordered food behaviours in the home. Children who are neglected, sexually abused, and/or exposed to family violence are much more vulnerable to mental illness. Genetic factors may also play a role. For example, research suggests that a child has an increased chance of developing schizophrenia if a parent, both parents or an identical twin is diagnosed with the illness.
Regardless of the cause, mental illness can make life difficult for children and youth and others around them. An adolescent with depression may feel worthless and believe that he or she is disliked by everyone. Children with attention deficit disorders may create havoc in the classroom and at home because of their impulsivity and difficulty expressing their true needs. And major illnesses, such as schizophrenia, may require extensive, ongoing care from parents which can lead to jealousy and resentments in other family members.
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/)
