Young people have mental, emotional, and behavioral problems that are real, painful, and costly. They are sources of stress for children and their families, schools and communities.

The number of young people and their families who are affected by mental, emotional and behavioral disorders is significant. As many as one in five children and adolescents may have a mental health disorder that requires treatment.

Mental health disorders in children and adolescents are caused by biology, environment or a combination. Examples of biological factors are genetics, chemical imbalances and damage to the central nervous system, such as a head injury.

Environmental factors also can affect a childs mental health, including exposure to violence, extreme stress and the loss of an important person. A broad range of services is often necessary to meet the needs of these young people.

The Problems

Below are descriptions of particular mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders that sometimes occur during childhood and adolescence. All can have a serious impact on your childs overall health.

Some are more common than others and seriousness can range from mild to severe. Sometimes, a child may have more than one disorder simultaneously.

Anxiety Disorders

Young people who experience excessive fear, worry or uneasiness may have an anxiety disorder. These disorders are among the most common emotional problems occurring during childhood.

According to one study, as many as 13 of every 100 young people from 9 to 17 years of age have an anxiety disorder. They include:

1. Phobias, which are unrealistic and overwhelming fears of objects or situations.

2. Generalized anxiety disorder, which causes children to demonstrate a pattern of excessive, unrealistic worry that cannot be attributed to any recent experience.

3. Panic disorder, which causes terrifying panic attacks that include symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat and dizziness.

4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, which causes children to become trapped in a pattern of repeated thoughts and behaviors, such as counting or hand washing.

5. Post-traumatic stress disorder, which causes a pattern of flashbacks and other symptoms. This occurs in children who have experienced a psychologically distressing event, such as abuse, being a victim or witness of violence or exposure to other types of trauma, such as wars or natural disasters.

Severe Depression

Experts agree that severe depression can occur at any age. Two of every 100 children may have major depression and as many as eight of every 100 teens may be affected, as well. This disorder is marked by changes in:

1. Emotions: Children often feel sad, cry, or feel worthless.

2. Motivation: Children lose interest in play activities or schoolwork quality declines.

3. Physical well-being: Children may experience changes in appetite or sleeping patterns and/or may have vague physical complaints.

4. Thoughts: Children believe they are ugly, unable to do anything right or that the world or life is hopeless.

It also is important to be aware that some children and adolescents with depression may not value their lives, which can put them at risk for suicide.

Bipolar Disorder

Children and adolescents who demonstrate exaggerated mood swings that range from extreme highs (hyperactivity or mania) to extreme lows (depression) may have bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic depression). Periods of moderate mood often occur in between the extreme highs and lows.

During manic phases, children or teens may talk nonstop, need very little sleep and show unusually poor judgment. At the low end of the mood swing, they experience severe depression.

Bipolar mood swings can recur throughout life. Adults with bipolar disorder (about one in 100) often experienced their first symptoms during their teenage years.

Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Young people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are unable to focus their attention and are often impulsive and easily distracted. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder occurs in up to five of every 100 children.

Most kids with this disorder have great difficulty remaining still, taking turns and keeping quiet. Symptoms must be evident in at least two settings, such as home and school, in order for it to be diagnosed.

Learning Disorders

Difficulties that make it harder for kids to receive or express information could be a sign of a learning disorder. Learning disorders can show up as problems with spoken and written language, coordination, attention or self-control.

Conduct Disorder

Young people with conduct disorder usually have little concern for others and repeatedly violate their basic rights and the rules of society. It causes children and adolescents to act out their feelings or impulses in destructive ways.

The offenses these children and adolescents commit often grow more serious over time. Such offenses may include lying, stealing, aggressiveness, truancy, the setting of fires and vandalism. .

Eating Disorders

Children or adolescents who are intensely afraid of gaining weight and do not believe that they are underweight may have eating disorders. These disorders can also be life threatening.

Young people with anorexia nervosa, for example, have difficulty maintaining a minimum healthy body weight. Anorexia affects one in every 100 to 200 adolescent girls and a smaller number of boys.

Youngsters with bulimia nervosa feel compelled to binge (eat huge amounts of food in one sitting). After a binge, in order to prevent weight gain, they rid their bodies of the food by vomiting, abusing laxatives, taking enemas or exercising obsessively. Rates of bulimia vary from one to three of every 100 young people.

Autism

Children with autism, also called autistic disorder, have problems interacting and communicating with others. This disorder appears before the third birthday, causing children to act inappropriately, often repeating behaviors over long periods of time; some children bang their heads and rock, or spin objects.

Symptoms range in intensity from mild to severe. Children with autism may have a very limited awareness of others and are at increased risk for other mental disorders. It affects 10 to 12 of every 10,000 children.

Schizophrenia

Young people with schizophrenia have psychotic periods that may involve hallucinations, withdrawal from others and loss of contact with reality. Other symptoms include delusional or disordered thoughts and an inability to experience pleasure. It occurs in about five of every 1,000 children.

Treatment and Research: Sources of Hope

Now, more than ever, there is hope for young people with mental, emotional and behavioral disorders; most of the symptoms and distress associated with them can be alleviated with timely and appropriate treatment.

Researchers are working to gain new insights that will lead to better treatments and cures for these dysfunctions; innovative studies also are exploring new ways of delivering services to prevent and treat them.

Research efforts are expected to lead to more effective use of existing treatments, so children and their families can live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Dr Shery is in Cary, IL, near Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Marengo, Woodstock and Lake-in-the-Hills. He provides day and evening appts and accepts all insurance. Call 1 847 516 0899 or learn more at: http://www.carypsychology.com

Psychotherapy and counseling can effectively decrease any depression, anxiety or related symptoms you may feel, such as pain, fatigue, and nausea. In fact, emotional and physical health is so closely linked that psychotherapy and counseling may even help improve your overall health.

Scientific evidence demonstrates that most people with emotional problems who have at least several sessions of counseling are far better off than those who are left untreated. One major study showed that one-half of patients noticeably improved after only eight sessions, while 75 percent of those in therapy improved in just six months.

How Will I Know If the Therapy Is Working?

At the onset of therapy, establish clear goals with your psychologist. Perhaps you are trying to eliminate feelings of hopelessness or trying to control a fear that is interfering with your quality of life.

Some goals require more time than others. You and your psychotherapist should discuss at what point or what time frame might be necessary for you to begin to see progress.

If you begin to feel some relief and some hope, that is a good sign that you are beginning to make progress. People experience a wide variety of feelings as the counseling process takes place.

Some qualms about therapy are caused because some people have difficulty discussing painful and troubling experiences openly. However, when you begin to feel relief or hope, it suggests that you are starting to explore your thoughts and behavior honestly, and that is highly suggestive of a good outcome.

Examples of the types of problems which bring people to seek help from counselors and psychologists are provided here:

John, a man in his late 20s has been drinking heavily and getting into serious arguments with his wife. He has just been placed on probation at work because of various forms of inappropriate angry behavior towards his staff and other employees.

First, the factors that may have contributed to his increase in stress will be examined in the evaluation stage of therapy. Then he and the psychologist will design a treatment plan that targets his identified problems and isolates certain goals.

Initially, the psychologist will start by helping John assess how he coped with any earlier experiences that were similar. The goal is to glean any possible lessons from the past that might be useful in solving his current problems.

The psychologist functions as a trained, experienced and impartial professional, who attempts to help John benefit from any available resources (his own as well as others) to solve or cope with his problems. He also will help him develop any new skills or problem-solving strategies that may be necessary to resolve his problems.

Feelings of futility, crying spells, sleep problems, binge-eating and feelings of powerlessness are symptoms from which Melissa, a woman in her early 40s suffers. She has withdrawn from attending her weekly social functions and has a hard time getting out of bed and going to her job.

She feels like a black cloud looms over her every moment and perceives herself as trapped. These symptoms of depression tenaciously hover over her but the causes may not be initially apparent.

Significant crises–such as the death of a family member, job loss or a childs joining the military may contribute to the seriousness of her symptoms.
Psychologists have a proven track record of using counseling and cognitive re-structuring techniques to help their patients cope with and resolve depressive disorders such as these.

The psychologist will address the reasons why Melissa is reacting symptomatically rather than normally. For example, he will assess whether she has a history or pattern of suffering from depressive feelings, and, if so, under what circumstances?

He will evaluate what was helpful to her when she previously dealt with similar feelings, and question what she is doing now to cope. The psychologist will help her see a more positive future and reduce the negative thinking that accompanies her depression.

He or she also will assist her in problem-solving through any major life conflicts that she has to confront. If her depression resulted from a loss, the psychologist will help to facilitate the grieving process.

If medical problems contribute to her symptoms, medical and psychological interventions will be implemented to help her overcome any depression specifically related to them.

Mark, a successful lawyer, has been laid off by the firm for which he works. Instead of looking for other jobs, he has gone on numerous shopping sprees and has gotten himself into thousands of dollars of debt; however, he keeps spending with no end in sight.

Surprisingly, Mark is doing the opposite of what appears to be common sense. His friends and family are initially bewildered and confused by his behavior.

However, such behavior is not unfamiliar to psychologists who understand depression and bipolar disorders. Any psychologist would start by doing a thorough assessment in order to understand the apparently contradictory behavior that Mark exhibits.

After that is completed, the counselor might conclude that Marks behavior is actually a symptom of depression, bipolar disorder or some other psychological disorder. Typically, the best treatment for such conditions combines the use of medication and psychotherapy or counseling.

Psychologists do not provide medication themselves; however, they can refer you to a physician who is able to do so. The psychologist provides an understanding of human behavior, psychological testing and tested psychotherapeutic techniques that can be effective in helping Mark.

Richard, a teenager, has just moved with his family and has been forced to go to a new high school. He is now skipping classes and getting very poor grades, even though he was once an excellent student. He also has problems making friends there.

For most teenagers, fitting in is crucial. Richard is trying to make a major transition under difficult circumstances.

This is happening because he has been separated from his usual network of friends which allowed him to feel part of the group and he no longer has that important feeling of belonging. Since teens often respond to frustration and difficulty with noticeable changes in behavior, Richards starting to get poor grades, his becoming a loner and his loss of interest in school activities, under the circumstances, would not be so unusual.

Psychologists know that teens tend to test first and trust second, so his counseling psychologist will initially spend time focusing on developing a good personal relationship and rapport with him; then he or she will be in a better position to help Richard use better ways to adjust to his new environment.

Dr Shery is in Cary, IL, near Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Marengo, Woodstock and Lake-in-the-Hills. He provides day and evening appts and accepts all insurance. Call 1 847 516 0899 or learn more at: http://www.carypsychology.com

Most of us do experience occasional outbreaks of anxiety or momentary depression, at least once or twice in our lifetime. Anxiousness, changing or swinging moods, shifting metal attitude and a short term depression are all so common to millions of people all over the world. Low intensity anxiety and depression also work as positive parameters, when we can prepare for a pending task or take precious time to reflect on our actions, and regroup our effort in order to get success in life.

Thus, anxiety and depression are a common part of our lives, often more helpful than overtly harmful. But, when anxiety and depression seem to crop up out of nowhere, persist for many months without providing much relief, or if it interferes with daily life, then youre probably suffering from a grave illness or a permanent symptom that needs to be dealt with.

Anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent and highly treatable forms of mental disease in the whole world today. People who are suffering from acute anxiety display a varied degree of symptoms, which range from trembling, muscle aches, intense sweating, dizziness, extreme fatigue, jumping heart and dry mouth.

But, anxiety disorder is much more serious than it is generally assumed to be, just because, people who are suffering from such a malady become practically disabled, both mentally and physiologically, making their life practically a living hell. Anxiety and its symptoms can be categorized into many types and one must realize that it is very common disorder, treatable by many modern treatment techniques.

Depression is possibly one of the most common mental conditions in the world today and almost 150 million people suffer from symptoms of depression. It is estimated that roughly one in four women and one in ten men can easily be diagnosed with depression, at some point in their lives, though very often it goes undiagnosed and usually disappears on it’s own accord. They may not even know that what they are experiencing are symptoms of a treatable illness. Most visible signs of depression are often associated with that of daily work, when people tend to neglect even the most common of daily work like brushing their teeth.

Other visible signs include intense sadness, helplessness, irritability and uncontrolled outbursts of anger. One of the most dangerous side signs is probably the tendency to think about commiting suicide. Associated symptoms like memory lapses, slurred speech and lack of neuromuscular movement are not uncommon in the later and advanced stages of depression.

Anxiety and depression outbreaks can occur at any age and time. Most of these patients are usually very stubborn and often never believe that they are affected by the illness. Advanced stages of anxiety and depression require frequent hospitalization and intensive medical care and supervision. Unattended depression can also lead to further serious medical complications like psychosis, schizophrenia and mental disorder. However, proper medical care and regular counseling will help patients to recover from the ordeals of anxiety and depression.

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Depressed children demonstrate many similar characteristics as adults who are depressed. Not everybody accepts that children can suffer from depression, especially if the youngster appears to have a happy and stable home life. However, it is a fact that the childhood years are a time in everybodys life when depression can take hold and affect you without you even realising.

To be able to understand childhood depression, you must first have a definition of depression in mind. Many folks say they are depressed when they have an especially unpleasant or sad day, but there is an essential difference between these short-lived feelings of misery and a genuine depressive disorder. Clinical depression is a continuous, pervasive sense of sadness, fear, and anxiety. If this type of true depression is left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues and even suicidal thoughts.

The general assumption amongst most adults is that children who are well fed, looked after properly and have a stable home life have no reason to be depressed. However, the reality is that early life is not completely the happy-go-lucky frolic we imagine it to be. Many youngsters feel tremendous pressure from their peers and society as a whole, to be something they are not in order to fit in. Additionally others feel that they must attain a certain degree of perfection in order to satisfy the important adults in their lives. Children have very little control over their own lives, and this can be very frightening for them in a sense that they have a difficult time understanding. It is in these situations that many children wind up being depressed.

Although scientists have a very limited understanding about the functioning of the human brain, they do know that certain chemical imbalances can lead to depression, which shows itself as an emotional response. Consequently, it is the imbalance that has to treated which often involves medications and relaxation techniques that balance out these chemicals.

Children who are depressed will often have continual feelings of sadness or be constantly tetchy. They will often express or exhibit a low self-image with statements such as ‘I am no good’ or ‘I am so stupid’ that seem to come out for no obvious reason. They will find it difficult to concentrate on any one thing and they may loose sleep, or start to sleep too much. There may also be a dramatic increase or decrease in their appetite and activity levels. Physical symptoms can often manifest themselves in the form of a continual stomachache or headache that have no obvious triggers. Other changes in the child’s normal routine or behaviour can also be signs of depression. Of course, the depression may be triggered by an obvious event such the death of a close relative or pet, a change of school or a sudden move. However, when the symptoms of depression persist for an extended period that is when it becomes dangerous.

If you, as a parent, suspect that you child is suffering from depression, it is important to seek immediate help from a doctor that has experience of dealing with depressed children. They may prescribe some form of medication or counselling for your youngster.

The most important thing to do as a parent is to be proactive and ensure that your child gets the necessary treatment, so that he or she can live an exciting and fun filled life; the sort of life that childhood is made for!

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Depression can be a very serious illness, which threatens and effects the lives of millions of people around the world. There is more to conventional understanding of depression; depression is not just feeling in the dumps, rather it is a disease condition, affecting thousands of people at least once in their life time. Statistics have shown that depression affects twice as many women than men and sometimes with very serious repercussions. Though depression is a serious illness, it can easily be cured by a qualified medical professional. If you feel that you are experiencing frequent bouts of depression, you are advised to contact any of the nearest medical centers to have one of several available depression treatments.

Depression treatment can help you in many different ways: the most important benefit of depression treatment is its ability to reduce the intensity of pain and suffering. However, you may need to seek qualified treatment as early as possible to get the full benefit of depression treatment. Previous successful results have shown that people who are undergoing acute bouts of depression are cured permanently with sustained treatment. Most of the people who are treated for depression usually feel better within weeks after depression treatment. However, it is also advisable to continue depression treatment till the patient is completely cured.

There are several depression treatments available for patients like:

1. Antidepressant medicine and drugs

2. Psychotherapy and counseling

3. A combination of drugs and counseling

Some people who have a low intensity of depression may get cured just by prescription drugs, while more serious cases of depression need a sustained depression treatment regimen consisting of drugs and psychotherapy. Chronic depression may lead the patient to think about committing suicide or death. If you have these negative thoughts, inform someone you trust immediately. Request them to assist you find medical help instantly. These thoughts usually go away once the depression is treated completely.

Depression treatment method is best chosen after mutual consultation with your doctor. You must preferably compare all those positive advantages with every adverse effect of treatment. Depression must be treated immediately, as in absence of treatment, a major outbreak can last 6 to 12 months. In between these months, many people feel better or face no real symptoms at all. Treatment can prevent recurrences of depression and untreated depression may lead second or even third episodes of depression within one or two years.

Depression treatment by drugs and medicines is one of the most preferred methods and many people start feeling good effects of medicine during the first few weeks itself. Consistent ingestion of drugs for about 6 months will result in a remarkable improvement in the health of the affected patient. You may need to consult your physician every fortnight; this is just to let them know your mind and health. During further treatment, you will also visit your doctor every alternate month. If you have any serious side effects, inform your physician immediately and seek more inputs on the prescription.

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When a person is suffering from chronic depression, most possibly, he or she may need to be prescribed depression medication as soon as possible. If you have any of the classical symptoms of depression, persisting for more than a month, you may need to visit your physician or doctor without fail. You can assist your physician to diagnose and help you, by providing as much details as possible about your problems of depression and what brings it on etc.

But you need to remember that if your problem is severe enough to demand extra help, you will need to take a family member or friend along on your first visit, to see that you are helped in a proper way. A good depression medication consists of correct analysis of your previous clinical history, present condition of the disease and a right diagnosis.

So the first obvious step on your part, is to provide every bit of information about your problem that you can think of; the previous medical history, physical tests, and preliminary laboratory tests can assist your doctor know a lot, if a general medical problem is the real cause of your malady. Most cases of depressions are usually caused by a general medical illness or medicines associated with those illnesses. Once these conditions are identified and treated, the depression will usually disappear by itself. Depression medication is not possible without your active cooperation and help; never hide anything from your doctor because you feel scared or embarrased.

Based on the intensity of the disease condition, depression medication is classified in two main categories: Acute medication and Continuation medication. These depression medications are used to treat any one of the three types of depression symptoms, like severe depression, moderate depression and mild depression. For each type of those symptoms, there is a defined treatment or medication, which works better with a clinical efficiency.

The main aim of acute medication is to systematically take off the severe symptoms of depression until you feel well and better again to cope without medication. Continuation medication means continuing the treatment for more time even after you feel fine, and it is critical because it is intended to avoid the recurrence of depression after some time. If you have an episode of recurrent depression, a third medication, commonly called maintenance treatment is commonly used. In maintenance depression medication, the patient is maintained on the depression treatment for a longer period of time.

There are many different types of depression medication methods like antidepressant medicine psychotherapy, antidepressant medicine combined with psychotherapy. Medication for depression works slowly and gradually over a period of several months. However with correct medicine, most affected people experience good results within a month; but with psychotherapy alone, it often takes a long time. Early detection and medication is probably the most important parameter in depression treatment. Depression must be treated at any cost, as soon as it is detected and diagnosed. Otherwise, depression may relapse again, with more severity and intensity.

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