Teenage mental illness quiz

Adolescent depression

At this age, the symptoms and syndromes of those diseases that we often see in adults also develop quite often. We can also observe the phenomena of the so-called juvenile depressions, or depressions with the phenomena of asthenic youthful failure - that is how they are called.

During these depressions, the teenager falls into bed, stops going to school, snaps at parents' demands to pull himself together, go take a shower, clean up, resume going to school. He stares blankly at the ceiling or non-stop playing the same computer game, stops communicating with his peers, goes to the phone, to social networks.

In such situations, in most cases, unfortunately, no one really thinks about depressive disorders, everyone thinks only about weaknesses of will, weakness of character, laziness, that this person needs to be kicked so that he shakes himself up, wakes up. Send him to some Suvorov school, begin to carry out some strict measures with him, controlling, prohibiting this or that action.

All this, unfortunately, turns out to be ineffective, and sometimes even pathogenic, if we are dealing with real depression. And in adolescents, depression is exactly how it proceeds.

We may lose this teenager if we do not see this as a mental disorder in a timely manner and do not attend to the consultation of psychiatrists. Unfortunately, the number of completed suicides , that is, suicides that ended in death, is very high precisely in adolescence.

At the same age, the number of various kinds of self-damaging actions is quite large, and the consequences of these self-harm are so serious that they actually disable the child for the rest of his life.

Juvenile schizophrenia

In addition to depressive disorders and personality disorders, serious diseases such as schizophrenia also quite often develop at this age. We are talking about its form, which is called juvenile schizophrenia. This form occurs extremely rarely and is exclusive.

However, if such a misfortune does occur, and the disease begins, then, as a rule, it proceeds catastrophically. That is, it is a malignant form in which the psyche is destroyed in a rapid way, it is extremely difficult to stop it. The course of this disease destroys the psyche for some 2-3 years. The child becomes disabled during this time.

Neurotic disorders of adolescents

In a separate number of cases, we observe at this age disorders associated with some organic diseases associated with neurological, somatic pathologies.

Of course, we cannot ignore the neurotic disorders of adolescents. After all, it is at the end of this age that they face, perhaps, the most difficult test for themselves and for their psyche - with a unified state exam, the significance of which is exaggerated so much that for most teenagers the question of passing or failing this exam is a matter of life and death.

And many, many other problems and issues that are closely intertwined with the psychological and social aspects.

Individual consultation or consultation? What to choose?

In order to understand all this, and in adolescence this is especially difficult to do, the participation of various specialists is necessary. These are psychiatrists, neurologists, pediatricians, psychologists, clinical and family psychologists, teachers, speech pathologists and many other specialists who are involved in helping adolescents who find themselves in a difficult life situation due to certain mental disorders.

This is almost impossible to do by coming to an individual consultation with one of these specialists. In most cases, if you turn to a psychiatrist or just a psychologist, the child will not receive enough answers to his questions, and parents will also not receive answers to the question of what is happening to him. Examination, diagnostics are needed, a systematic approach is needed. And this systematic approach, ideally, can only be obtained in a specialized institution.

For example, in a psychiatric hospital or in a mental health center for children and adolescents. In Moscow there is such a center named after G. E. Sukhareva. It is not at all necessary to be hospitalized in this center, there are also non-stationary forms of observation and examination, both outpatient and semi-stationary forms.

If the examination was successful, if, fortunately, no serious mental illness was found during this examination, then we can determine the further route of providing assistance to such patients, determine the algorithm for their further actions.

If this turns out to be a condition that can be eliminated by the outpatient help of a psychiatrist or psychologist, then you need to find such a psychiatrist, psychologist, specialist in the field of adolescent psychology and psychiatry who can, working with this teenager individually, outpatiently solve a significant part of his problems and his problems. families.

Adolescent psychology | Psychological assistance – a network of clinics NEARMEDIC

The psychological state of a person in different periods of ontogenesis may have its own characteristics. External and internal factors affect the emotional state and cognitive abilities. Particularly important are periods of hormonal changes that affect personality development and psychological reactions. It is during these periods that the manifestation of various diseases often occurs. Adolescence may be an indication to work with a psychologist in the event of the appearance of certain symptoms, such as: low self-esteem or suicidal thoughts.

General information

Age-related psychological characteristics can be described as a gradual development of personality. The totality of external influences and internal restructuring determines the emotional state of a person in certain periods of life. One of the most important factors of influence is the endocrine regulation of the body. Hormones affect the brain by changing the concentration of neurotransmitters. These changes may have a physiological function (puberty) or be signs of pathology.

Adolescence is a difficult period when the child begins to imitate the behavior of adults and be critical of his parents. Physical changes and hormonal changes cause emotional instability, irritability, and a decrease in self-esteem. It is during this period that the first symptoms of mental disorders that can negatively affect the entire subsequent life of a person may appear.

Facts about puberty

Puberty is called the period of physiological changes, characterized by the preparation of the body to perform the reproductive function. In a broader sense, puberty can be called growing up, since it is during this period that the foundation of a person's personality is laid. The processes of physiological and psychological changes occur in parallel due to the influence of hormones and the adolescent's reaction to his own condition. On average, puberty can begin at 11-13 and end at 18-19.years. In girls, puberty usually starts earlier.

The main regulators of physiological changes are the sex glands - the ovaries in women and the testes in men. These organs secrete hormones into the blood that control the development of the musculoskeletal system, genital organs, and other anatomical structures. The effect of hormones on the central nervous system is due to a change in the balance of neurotransmitters. In men, puberty is the only period of psychological instability in life due to endocrine changes, while in women, similar phenomena occur during pregnancy.

Aspects of the psychological characteristics of puberty may depend on the following factors

1. Heredity. Traits transmitted from parents affect the development of the nervous system.
2. Nutrition. During puberty, the body requires a large amount of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals for the development of organs, including the brain.
3. Influence of society, including relationships with peers and parents.

During puberty, drastic body changes occur. Boys and girls pay attention to the disproportionate development of the body, such as long limbs, stoop and large head. All these temporary features affect a person's self-esteem. At the same time, the hormonal background only enhances the influence of reflection on the psyche. For some adolescents, these factors lead to persistent personality traits such as anxiety and avoidance behavior. In this regard, it is important to start working with a psychologist as early as possible.

Personality psychology

Adolescents during puberty are characterized by certain personality traits. Accounting for these features is important for the prevention of mental disorders and proper education. It should be borne in mind that the severity of certain personality traits varies depending on gender, age and individual qualities of a person.

Basic personality traits

1. Inadequate self-esteem. The desire for self-expression, ostentatious adulthood, recognition of one's own authority and intellectual development contribute to the formation of a teenager's view of his own position in society. People at this age are characterized by reduced or inadequately high self-esteem. At an older age, this problem usually disappears, however, the formation of complexes that constantly affect self-esteem is possible.
2. Impulsive behavior. Pragmatism is not a popular way of looking at things among teenagers due to lack of personal experience and emotional instability.
3. Lack of experience, "hot mind", lack of independence and the desire to learn new things are the factors that determine the gullibility and naivety of a teenager.
4. Emotional lability is an unstable state of mind, characteristic of many teenagers. This personality trait is manifested by constant mood swings, irritability and aggressiveness. The mood of the child during the day can be replaced by periods of tearfulness and emotional excitement.
5. Undeveloped emotional-volitional control. This feature can also be associated with emotional instability and suggestibility. The inhibitory processes associated with the functions of the cerebral cortex are still developing during puberty, so young people have difficulty controlling their own impulses. An adult can almost always stop in time due to the instinct of self-preservation or life experience, but such a psychological mechanism may simply not be available to children.

All of these features distinguish a teenager from an adult. The persistence of such personality traits in adults is called infantilism by psychologists.

Causes of diseases

Since the first signs of mental disorders often appear in people during puberty, it is necessary to consider the possible causes and prerequisites for such ailments. One of the main aspects is heredity, since genetic mutations transmitted from parents can affect the psycho-emotional development of a teenager. You should also take into account endogenous influences, including the peculiarities of the hormonal background. The main cause of most mental illnesses is an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Possible risk factors:

1. Psychological circumstances such as bullying, parental abuse, molestation. The tragic events suffered during puberty can leave a mark on a person's personality for the rest of his life.
2. Influence of surrounding people. Because of the impressiveness and impulsiveness, girls and boys often develop unhealthy inclinations precisely at puberty. Often we are talking about criminal inclinations and bad habits.
3. Unfavorable family conditions, such as: poverty, poor sanitation and parental conditions. Even if only one parent suffers from alcoholism, the risk of “passing on” such a bad habit is quite high.
4. Crisis in relationships with peers due to self-doubt and anxiety.
5. The appearance of complexes associated with appearance, living conditions.
6. Difficulties in mutual understanding between children and parents. Usually, the most difficult relationships between generations in a family arise precisely at the moment of growing up of children.

Seeing a psychologist may be appropriate if a teenager has several of these risk factors.

Diseases

Psychologists and doctors are aware of mental disorders that most often manifest themselves at the age of puberty.

Examples of disorders:

1. Depression is a persistent decrease in mood. Patients are pessimistic, irritable and apathetic. The first symptoms of the disease often appear in childhood. The danger of depression lies in the possible transition of a melancholy mood into suicidal tendencies. Due to the characteristics of pubertal psychology, the symptoms of the disease are not always easy to detect in a teenager.
2. Anxious personality disorder is a pathology manifested by constant anxiety, complexes and inexplicable fears. The person develops avoidance behavior. Anxiety negatively affects the quality of later life and personal development.
3. Borderline personality disorder is the most common mental illness in adolescents. The first symptoms usually appear between the ages of 16 and 25. Pathology is more often diagnosed in girls. Borderline symptoms include reduced self-control, antisocial behavior, impulsivity, and emotional instability. In general, the signs of the disease resemble accentuated adolescent personality traits, so diagnosis can be difficult.
4. Mental disorders of the schizophrenic spectrum are the most severe pathologies. Unlike the above conditions, these diseases significantly impair the quality of life and often make a person disabled. Illnesses can be manifested by hallucinations, delusional thoughts, eccentric behavior and a general thought disorder.

Thus, the transition period in the development of the psyche is dangerous with the formation of diseases, so it is important to monitor the state of the teenager.

Symptoms

Parents may notice suspicious behavioral traits in their child and consult a psychologist. Also, a teenager can independently complain about certain problems.

Early symptoms of disorders:

• isolation in oneself, social phobia;
• constant irritability, aggression;
• taking alcohol, drugs;
• insomnia or hypersomnia;
• constant weakness and fatigue;
• conflict behavior;
• sexual promiscuity;
• lack of a critical attitude towards oneself and one's actions;
• constant fears, worries;
• self harm, including minor cuts;
• decreased physical activity.

Not all of the above symptoms can be associated with mental illness. Some symptoms may indicate an improper diet, hypovitaminosis, and the presence of a metabolic disease.

Diagnostics

For a professional examination, it is recommended to make an appointment with a psychologist or psychotherapist. The specialist will ask the patient and his parents about complaints, as well as examine the anamnestic information to identify risk factors for diseases. Initial consultation helps to detect suspicious behavioral traits. To clarify the level of anxiety and depression, a psychologist can use standardized tests.

Additional diagnostic methods:

• neurological examination to exclude organic brain diseases affecting emotions and behavior;
• therapeutic examination to exclude pathologies of internal organs.

The purpose of an early psychological examination is to detect unfavorable personality tendencies that can later become the cause of the manifestation of the disorder. Elimination of the disease at this stage of development can significantly improve the quality of human life. On the contrary, the treatment of already formed mental disorders can be difficult.

Psychological assistance

Depending on the results of the consultation, the specialist may offer treatment for the identified disease or correction of certain psychological problems. It is important to understand that full psychotherapy requires a large number of sessions and a long course of treatment in general.

Possible correction methods:

1. Family therapy. The psychologist tries to competently conduct a psychotherapy session with a teenager and his parents.
2. Group therapy. In psychology and psychiatry, work in specialized groups is often practiced. This method helps fight social phobia and anxiety.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most popular method of psychotherapy aimed at teaching the patient independent methods of dealing with the symptoms of disorders.

The choice of therapy depends on many factors, including the severity of the psychological condition and the age of the patient.

Prevention

Prevention of mental disorders in adolescents is an important task.

• 
  Can codependent relationships be saved
• 
  When you feel unworthy
• 
  Ratings of psychologists
• 
  Why would a young woman date an older man
• 
  What to expect from a marriage
• 
  How many diagnoses in the dsm 5
• 
  Cognitive behaviorism psychology
• 
  Stress causing fatigue
• 
  Bipolar decision making
• 
  How to stop being overbearing
• 
  Reasons to contact therapist