Mental illness is hypernym that encompasses distinct diagnosable mental health ailments, disorders, diseases, and conditions, that involve changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illness is highly common among adolescents in America. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) asserts that in the United States “at least one in five youth aged 9-17 years currently has a diagnosable mental health disorder that causes some degree of impairment; one in ten has a disorder that causes significant impairment.” The Mayo Clinic explains that mental health disorders in children are “generally defined as delays or disruptions in developing age-appropriate thinking, behaviors, social skills or regulation of emotions. These problems are distressing to children and disrupt their ability to function well at home, in school or in other social situations.” While there are many different mental health illness that can affect an adolescent, the most common diagnosed mental health disorders in children include:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder as an inability to control impulsive behaviors, difficulty focusing and/ or paying attention, and/ or being overly active. Approximately 1 in 20 adolescents meet the clinical criteria for ADHD.
- Anxiety disorders: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) list five different types of anxiety disorders which include: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia). The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) asserts: “Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening.” At any given time, one in eight adolescents meet the clinical criteria for an anxiety disorder.
- Mood disorders: The Mayo Clinic explains that mood disorders are characterized by a distortion of one’s general emotional state and/ or mood that is inconsistent with the current circumstances and interferes with one’s ability to function. Mood disorders include adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). At any given time, 1 in 20 adolescents meet the clinical criteria for a mood disorder and up to one in four children will experience a mood disorder by their late adolescence.
- Disruptive behavior disorders: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, explain that disruptive behavior disorders, also referred to as externalizing disorders, are characterized by “problems in the self-control of emotions and behavior, which interfere with a child’s ability to function at home and school.” Disruptive behavior disorders include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and intermittent explosive disorder (IED). Disruptive behavior disorders affect an estimated 5.5 million children (aged 3-17), which is equal to approximately 8.9% of this population, in the United States.
Further Information and Support
For most of us, life can be very stressful, leading us to feel emotionally charged, which can cause anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and getting stuck in a cycle of being burdened with negative thoughts. Navigating through the challenges and emotional turmoil of life can be overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. Engage Treatment is a Joint Commission Accredited professional psychological practice. We specialize in treating children, teens, and young adults struggling with depression and anxiety through community-focused treatment plans that incorporate a carefully selected combination of therapeutic interventions. Our compassionate, multidisciplinary practitioners are devoted to providing the highest quality of care that helps ignite positive change and enables clients to reach optimal health and well-being. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are happy to answer questions and provide you with any additional information. Feel free to call us at 805-497-0605 or email us at [email protected]. You are also welcomed to get in touch by filling out our contact form. We look forward to connecting and having the opportunity to discuss how we might best be able to support you.