Adolescent Mental Problems

An adolescent that talks about hearing voices or having suicidal thoughts should be taken for help to the nearest psychiatrist or other professional. But other signs may crop up that are not as obvious but just as indicative of adolescent mental problems. More youth may be suffering than you may think. A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said at least one in five children have some type of mental health disorder. Keeping your eyes peeled for several signs and causes behind the problems could help you seek assistance before it's too late.

Causes

• The root causes behind mental health issues in adolescents are biological factors and the environment. On the biological end, adolescents may have inherited a disorder, undergone a trauma or injury that damaged their brains or central nervous system or have a chemical imbalance. Environmental factors can include poisons, lead and other detrimental substances in their surroundings; stress from being shunned, poor or ridiculed; witnessing repeated and extreme violence; or losing someone who is near and dear to them, either through death or divorce, and other factors.

Emotions

• Emotional upheaval can signal a potential problem. Adolescents may be overcome with overwhelming, persistent and seemingly uncontrollable feelings. Youth may be plagued with chronic hopelessness, worthlessness and guilt. They could be extremely worried, anxious or full of unrelenting fear. Some may even feel as if they are no longer in control of their own minds. Other emotional signs may be the inability to cope and move forward from a crushing blow, such as the death of someone important to them. They may also become obsessed with their appearance or other physical factors.

Changed Behavior

• Mental problems may also be apparent in a shift in the child's behavior. Kids who were good at school may suddenly stop studying or attending class and bring home failing grades. Losing interest in other things they used to enjoy is another sign. A youth who suddenly wants to isolate, stay away from family or friends, or sit alone in her room could also be a red flag.

Negative Behavior

• When a kid's behavior suddenly shifts for the worst, it could be another sign of a mental disturbance. Youth who start drinking or using drugs could be crying out for help. Others may become obsessed with their weight and engage in dysfunctional eating habits, such as making themselves vomit so they can binge and purge; going on extreme or highly restrictive diets; or using laxatives. Blatantly breaking the law and engaging in destructive behavior, such as starting fires or disregarding their own or other's safety, are other signs. Parents should be very concerned if their child begins abusing or killing animals.

Other signs

• Incessant daydreaming and nightmares may also indicate a kid needs help, as do other factors. A child may be besieged with racing, uncontrollable thoughts, an inability to focus or be still, and the need to fidget or pace. They may not be able to make a decision on even simple matters, such as what to eat for lunch. Other obsessions could include needing to bathe, wash or organize things again and again in an effort to control at least one tiny part of their lives when they feel the rest of it is hugely beyond their grasp.