Teen Mental Disorders

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Common mental disorders in teens
“A mental disorder is an illness of the mind that can effect the thoughts, feelings, and
behaviors of a person, preventing him or her from leading a happy, healthful and productive life”
(Merki, p238). Many children and adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with
their daily life. Some mental health problems are minor, while others are more severe. Some
mental health problems last for only short periods of time, while others can last a lifetime.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of
Health (NIH), one in ten children and teens suffer from mental illness severe enough to cause
problems in their daily life. “Mental disorders are estimated to affect 16% of U.S. children and
youth. This figure reflects on difficulties severe enough to interfere with a childs daily
functioning, including problems with schoolwork, social contacts, and adjustments” (Pardes,
p702). Studies show that 8% of teens suffer from depression.
In the past 40 to 50 years, adolescent depression has increased drastically. The average
beginning age has dropped. While the number of childhood cases diagnosed are equal between
boys and girls, twice as many teen girls are diagnosed as boys. Recurrence of depression occurs
in half of depressed teens within seven years. The symptoms of child and adolescent depression
are very similar to those of adult depression, but since children may not be able to describe what
they’re feeling, so they might show their feelings through behavior. Youth with depression are
most likely to show it through phobias, anxieties, or behavior disorders. Teens with depression
can show irritability, aggressive behavior and talk of suicide. Depression is caused by heredity
as well as their environment. It could be triggered by bad parenting, stressful experiences, or a
negative world view. It is also asso...