Common Mental Health Disorder Affecting Children | Online Docs

Children are the building blocks of any society. Their mental health and well-being are our future, and we need to secure it. In today’s world, mental health problems affects both adults and children. The number of children suffering from mental health disorders is increasing exponentially which needs to be pondered upon. Good mental health cannot be defined as a happy, smiling child, for many problems are toodeep-rooted to be seen on the face.

Some children might be born with mental health disorders like ADHD, ASD, etc. which, affect them their whole life. They would need proper care at every point in their life to function like any other human.

Mental health disorders that affect children are:

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

 

Most people are familiar with the term ADHD or at the very least, have heard of it. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects various people. The symptoms of ADHD become the most apparent among school-going kids. As many as 6 million children live with ADHD as of 2019.

As the name suggests, ADHD is characterized by a reduced attention span. Children with ADHD are more likely than others to lose focus on any activity. They have a hyperactive brain which makes it difficult for them to focus. People should bear in mind that children are generally more active than adults but,not all kids who cannot concentrate in school have ADHD.

It is important to observe the symptoms and catch them early. The sooner these cases are brought to light, the more effectively they can be managed. Qualified psychologists can evaluate a case and suggest a course of treatment. There are treatment options that use behavioral and occupational therapy. These aim to help people overcome the symptoms and develop necessary life skills. Medical treatment may also be an option for some.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

 

Autism is another fairly common condition that affects many people. Earlier it was considered a unique condition. However, research suggests a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. Statistics indicate that ASD affects as many as 2.3% of US children under 8 years. Like ADHD, it is a neurological condition, and its symptoms typically show up early.

It can present itself in several forms, and its symptoms can vary in intensity. Many people with ASD have difficulty maintaining social interactions. It may not be the same as social anxiety, but it may present similarly. People with ASD can develop inflexible habits that may interfere with their lives. They may find it difficult to maintain a lengthy conversation.

People with ASD often have to live with the condition throughout their lives. That is not to say that there are no options. There are various promising options available to help people with ASD.Psychologists can study a possible case of ASD and draw up a management plan. They can suggest mental and behavioral exercises that can help manage symptoms. In some instances, they may even recommend a course of medical treatment.

 

Eating Disorders

 

While maintaining physical health is important, there are limits to the human body.People are constantly flooded with images of the ‘ideal body type’. Such a constant stream of information is bound to have an impact. Many fit people have become obsessed with achieving an impossible beauty standard. It can affect adults as well as children, typically teenagers.

Research suggests that around 1% of the US population lives with eating disorders. There are various types of eating disorders, most commonly anorexia and bulimia. They stem from a negative body image in people’s minds.

Anorexics tend to starve themselves to achieve an unattainable body type. Bulimics adopt a different strategy in their impossible quest. They eat large quantities of food only to throw it up, called purging. Another common disorder is binge eating, characterized by overeating at meals.

There are several mental symptoms as the problem is mental and not physical. People with eating disorders may exhibit signs of depression and social isolation. They are never satisfied with their body as they have deeply held body image issues. There are obvious physical symptoms, too, such as weight loss and a weak body. Treating and managing such eating disorders requires qualified professional help.

Mental health is an extremely important factor. It may help people get the qualified mental help they need and live a fulfilling life. In these highly stressed times, mental health among adults and children is declining. It is important to identify the symptoms of certain common mental disorders.