Mental Problems in Teenagers

Mental health problems affect people of all different ages, races and genders. Teenagers, however, have to deal with a lot of issues specific to their age group. These include peer pressure, social awkwardness and isolation, puberty and academics. These issues make them more prone to developing certain mental health issues.

Anxiety Disorders

• Anxiety disorders are the number one mental health complaint in teenagers. Anxiety disorders come in many forms, including phobias and panic attacks. Social phobias, where teenagers are afraid of social situations for fear of embarrassing themselves, are quite common. Panic attacks are a manifestation of severe anxiety and include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, trouble breathing and an overwhelming sense of doom. Anxiety disorders respond well to therapy based on stress management. Some severe cases may require medication temporarily. Not all anxiety is indicative of a mental health problem. Teenagers are commonly anxious about specific events like prom or finals. Anxiety becomes a problem when it significantly and persistently impacts a teenager's life.

Depressive Disorders

• Major depression in teenagers is similar to major depression in adults. Common symptoms are feeling sad, changes in sleep patterns, weight gain or weight loss, lack of energy and crying for no reason. In teens, typical causes of depressive disorders include hormonal changes in the body due to puberty, birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives and significant life events, such as the death of a close friend or family member. Some depression warning signs in teenagers are slipping grades, a loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities and withdrawal from close friends.

Eating Disorders

• Eating disorders are most common in teenage girls. Anorexia and bulimia are the two most common types of eating disorders. Anorexia is characterized by an intense and irrational fear of becoming fat. Anorexic girls will starve themselves, eating very little or sometimes not at all. They will usually also exercise intensely, sometimes up to six hours a day. Bulimic girls will gorge on an abnormally large amounts of food and then vomit it up. Some may exercise intensely, take laxatives and starve themselves temporarily to make up for the binge. Both types of eating disorders can be fatal. Parents should be on the look out for signs like food hidden in the room, a preoccupation with weight and withdrawn behavior.

Other Disorders

• ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common problem in children and teens aged nine to 17. It's characterized by trouble concentrating, fidgeting, and an inability to sit still. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is also fairly common. Teenagers with OCD have bothersome recurring thoughts or images in their heads. They soothe these thoughts by repeating certain behaviors, called compulsions. Some examples of compulsions are constant hand washing, checking to make sure stoves and electrical appliances are off and checking whether the door is locked. People with OCD may engage in these compulsions for hours each day. Other mental health problems that may affect teens include substance abuse and bipolar disorder.