Common Psychological Problems of Schoolchildren

Often when people think of psychological disorders, they think of adults. However, there are many disorders that affect schoolchildren. Recognizing and understanding common mental health issues among children helps parents and teachers.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD or ADD)

• This disorder often becomes apparent in children during preschool and elementary school. It is characterized by a group of behaviors:
  Trouble concentrating. Students may fail to finish assignments and frequently make excuses for why they're incomplete. They may jump from one incomplete assignment to another. They may also seem easily distracted, make careless mistakes and be very forgetful.
  Hyperactivity. Children may be overly fidgety and unable to keep still. They may climb or run in situations when they are expected to be seated. Taking turns and waiting in line may be overly difficult for them.
  Impulsiveness. Children may blurt out inappropriate comments, grab toys from other children, pick fights or display other behaviors that may seem very impulsive and/or reckless.
  Not everyone who exhibits these symptoms has ADHD. If you suspect your child of having ADHD, it's important to get a professional opinion. Your child's pediatrician is a good place to start.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

• As the name suggests, this disorder is characterized by an extreme negative reaction to being separated from a parent, loved one or guardian. Extreme cases may make it difficult for children to attend school. Often, the symptoms may improve as the years go on. However, among some children there may be cycles of recurring symptoms.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

• Disobedience and children go together like peanut butter and jelly. However, an extreme case of disobedience may be symptomatic of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. In addition to disobedience, other symptoms may include frequent arguing with parents and authority figures and blaming others for their mistakes. This disorder is present in up to 16 percent of children and adolescents.

Conduct Disorder

• Conduct disorder is a very serious mental disturbance that should be treated professionally. Children with this disorder are overly aggressive toward people and animals. They tend to be very destructive of other people's property and have little respect for any social rules or expectations. This disorder is more common among teenagers. Though professional treatment has been successful, there are others who develop more severe personality disorders into adulthood.

Seeking Professional Assistance

• If you suspect that your child may suffer from these or any other psychological disorders, contact your child's pediatrician or a child therapist as soon as possible.