It's not uncommon for mental illnesses to manifest in a person's teen years, especially if mental illness runs in the family. Teenagers face a lot of unique stress due to school assignments, social situations, and family life. If your teen is struggling with their mental health, they don't have to suffer alone. Child psychiatric services can get kids the mental health counseling and medication they need to feel better. Here are three common mental health conditions that child psychiatric services can treat:
1. General Anxiety Disorder
General anxiety disorder, also known as GAD, is a common anxiety disorder that can affect people of many ages. People with this disorder may feel a general sense of unease most of the time. Situations that might make anyone feel a little nervous can make people with GAD panic. Coping with GAD alone can be difficult, but a child psychiatrist can help. Prescription medications like SSRIs can help to control the symptoms of anxiety on a daily basis, and benzodiazepines can be used as needed to treat severe panic attacks.
2. ADHD
ADHD is also known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. People with this condition often have trouble focusing on tasks that need their attention, and they may often lose important objects. Kids with ADHD often do poorly in school. They may also get in trouble for being disruptive in class. Conversely, people with ADHD can also hyperfocus on things to the detriment of their physical and mental health. Psychiatrists can screen kids and teens for ADHD if they show the symptoms. Stimulant medication may be prescribed to people with ADHD. These drugs can help people with ADHD focus so they can get control of their lives, excel in school, and engage fully in their relationships.
3. Depression
Depression can sometimes strike after a negative life event, such as the death of a family member or friend. However, some teenagers are predisposed to developing depression due to their genetics or unique neurochemistry. Teens who struggle with depression may show little interest in activities that once brought them joy. They may withdraw from friends and spend more time alone in their rooms. A psychiatrist can help depressed teenagers through talk therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people with depression combat thoughts that are based in distorted thinking and negative self-beliefs. Psychiatrists can also prescribe antidepressants, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclic antidepressants to combat the physiological causes of depression in your child.
For more information, reach out to a psychiatrist like Les Linet MD.
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