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4 Common Mental Health Disorders in Teens

Picture of Stonewater Recovery By   ·  2 minute read
Mental health issues are among the biggest problems facing the healthcare system today. Fortunately, much of the stigma that used to surround mental health issues have started to fade away. As a result, there are more resources available to those suffering from substance use disorders than ever in the past. That is where we can help. At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, we specialize in adolescent mental health treatment. Take a look at some of the most common teen mental health disorders below, then call 662.373.2828 for assistance today.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is among the common mental health disorders impacting children today, including teenagers. According to information from experts, there are millions of people under the age of 18 who have ADHD. ADHD can present in a wide variety of ways. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD include:
  • An inability to pay attention during class
  • Problems following directions
  • Issues completing schoolwork on time
  • Impulsive decisions that do not come with much forethought
  • Hyperactivity and fidgetiness
Children who have ADHD can develop severe quality-of-life issues related to social relationships and academic schoolwork. It is crucial to make sure that trained mental health professionals treat this issue.

Depression in Teenagers

Another common mental health disorder from which teenagers might suffer is depression. Depression impacts people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. Because teenagers are trying to develop a sense of independence from their parents, they may not open up to their parents as often as they did when they were younger. Therefore, everyone needs to be able to spot some of the most common symptoms of depression. These include:
  • Changes in sleep habits, either sleeping all the time or not at all
  • Changes in appetite, either eating significantly more or significantly less than before
  • Overwhelming feelings of guilt about issues that are not the fault of the child
  • A loss of enjoyment in activities that used to bring pleasure
  • Thoughts of suicide
It is vital for everyone who suffers from depression to understand that they are not alone. There are trained professionals who are willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Anxiety in Teenagers

There are lots of teenagers who also suffer from anxiety. Anxiety comes in many shapes and forms. For example, some teenagers might have a social anxiety disorder, where they have trouble interacting with their peers. In some cases, teenagers might have a general anxiety disorder, which is a lower level of anxiety that constantly persists in the background. The foundation of anxiety treatment is always therapy; however, it is also possible that teenagers might develop something called panic attacks. These are acute episodes of high anxiety where individuals experience a rising heart rate, sweating, and difficulty breathing. In this situation, medications might be necessary to make the panic attacks stop.

Bipolar Disorder

Finally, teen mental health disorders may also include bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder takes place when teenagers find themselves oscillating between thoughts of depression and feelings of mania. When someone is suffering from a manic episode, they enter a euphoric state where they feel like they have unlimited energy. On the other hand, this can also lead to poor decision-making. People can spend all of their money during manic episodes, use drugs, and make reckless sexual decisions. It is critical to treat this as quickly as possible.

Rely on Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center for Help

If you are looking for expert treatment of mental health disorders for someone you love, then rely on the professionals at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center. We specialize in the treatment of adolescent males.  Contact us today at 662.373.2828 to make an appointment!