Mental Health Issues in Pre-Teens

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, roughly 20 percent of children in the United States are diagnosed with a mental illness in a given year. Furthermore, about 5 million children are suffering from serious mental illness that significantly interferes with daily life. Diagnosing mental illness in anybody can be tricky, and it is especially difficult in pre-teens. Many of these disorders can be treated, however, with therapy and medication.

Depression

• Most people do not associate depression with pre-teens. It is commonly thought to be a greater issue with hormonal teenagers. Pre-teen depression is becoming more common, however. Experts believe that this depression is the result of increased pressure to excel in school, sports, and in social circles. Most pre-teens are naturally moody, which can cause parents and teachers to miss some of the signs of depression. Symptoms of pre-teen depression include extreme mood swings, a feeling of helplessness or hopelessness, anxiety, and feelings of isolation or loneliness. Behavioral characteristics include a lack of energy, reckless or impulsive behavior, and changes in weight and academic performance.

Anxiety Disorders

• Pre-teens can also suffer from anxiety disorders. These can be characterized by feelings of fear or dread as a response to certain situations as well as physical signs of anxiety (a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, or sweating). Pre-teens can suffer from the same kinds of anxiety disorders common in teens and adults, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. These are serious mental disorders that can interfere with daily life.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• It is estimated that 3 percent to 5 percent of children suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This disorder is characterized by a short attention span, the tendency to be forgetful, constant fidgeting, the inability to play quietly, excessive talking and impulsive behaviors. The exact cause of ADHD is not known, although it is considered a physiological condition that can be controlled with medication. Some possible causes of ADHD include heredity, brain injuries, and chemical imbalances.

Disruptive Behavior Disorders

• Nearly all children behave badly from time to time, but frequent disruptive or destructive behavior can be a sign of a serious mental health problem. Disruptive behavior disorders are the most common types of mental health issues that can affect pre-teens. There are three very common disruptive behavior disorders: oppositional defiant disorder (in which the child frequently shows patterns of hostile, defiant, and aggressive behavior); conduct disorder (characterized by a pattern of behaviors that violate social rules); and impulse control disorder (which can best be described as a total lack of self-control and a tendency to act impulsively).