1. ADHD
- ADHD is one of the most researched areas in child and adolescent mental
health. However, the precise cause of the disorder is still unknown. Available
evidence suggests that ADHD is genetic. It is a brain-based biological
disorder. Low levels of dopamine (a brain chemical), which is a
neurotransmitter (a type of brain chemical), are found in children with ADHD.
Brain imaging studies using PET scanners (positron emission tomography; a
form of brain imaging that makes it possible to observe the human brain at
work) show that brain metabolism in children with ADHD is lower in the areas
of the brain that control attention, social judgment, and movement.
Symptoms:
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Inattention:
o Short attention span for age (difficulty sustaining attention)
o Difficulty listening to others
o Difficulty attending to details
o Easily distracted
o Forgetfulness
o Poor organizational skills for age
o Poor study skills for age
Impulsivity:
o Often interrupts others
o Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn in school and/or social games
o Tends to blurt out answers instead of waiting to be called upon
o Takes frequent risks, and often without thinking before acting
Hyperactivity:
o Seems to be in constant motion; runs or climbs, at times with no
apparent goal except motion
o Has difficulty remaining in his/her seat even when it is expected
o Fidgets with hands or squirms when in his or her seat; fidgeting
excessively
o Talks excessively
o Has difficulty engaging in quiet activities
o Loses or forgets things repeatedly and often
o Inability to stay on task; shifts from one task to another without bringing
any to completion
The symptoms of ADHD may resemble other medical conditions or
behavior problems. Keep in mind that many of these symptoms may
occur in children and teens that do not have ADHD. A key element in
diagnosis is that the symptoms must significantly impair adaptive
functioning in both home and school environments. Always consult
your child's doctor for a diagnosis.
Anxiety disorder
What causes anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are like other forms of mental illness. They don’t come from personal
weakness, character flaws or problems with upbringing. But researchers don’t know
exactly what causes anxiety disorders. They suspect a combination of factors plays a
role:
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Chemical imbalance: Severe or long-lasting stress can change the chemical
balance that controls your mood. Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period
can lead to an anxiety disorder.
Environmental factors: Experiencing a trauma might trigger an anxiety
disorder, especially in someone who has inherited a higher risk to start.
Heredity: Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. You may inherit them from
one or both parents, like eye color.
What are the symptoms of an anxiety disorder?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have. General symptoms
of an anxiety disorder include:
Physical symptoms:
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Cold or sweaty hands.
Dry mouth.
Heart palpitations.
Nausea.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.
Muscle tension.
Shortness of breath.
Mental symptoms:
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Feeling panic, fear and uneasiness.
Nightmares.
Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences.
Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts.
Behavioral symptoms:
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Inability to be still and calm.
Ritualistic behaviors, such as washing hands repeatedly.
Trouble sleeping.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Signs and Symptoms
People with ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills.
They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities.
Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting
to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a
person’s life.
Children or adults with ASD might:
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not point at objects to show interest (for example, not point at an airplane flying
over)
not look at objects when another person points at them
have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
avoid eye contact and want to be alone
have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own
feelings
prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to
appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds
be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them
repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in
place of normal language
have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
not play “pretend” games (for example, not pretend to “feed” a doll)
repeat actions over and over again
have trouble adapting when a routine changes
have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
lose skills they once had (for example, stop saying words they were using)
Causes and Risk Factors
We do not know all of the causes of ASD. However, we have learned that there are
likely many causes for multiple types of ASD. There may be many different factors that
make a child more likely to have an ASD, including environmental, biologic and genetic
factors.
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Most scientists agree that genes are one of the risk factors that can make a
person more likely to develop ASD.4, 19
Children who have a sibling with ASD are at a higher risk of also having ASD. 5-10
Individuals with certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X
syndrome or tuberous sclerosis, can have a greater chance of having ASD. 11-14,
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When taken during pregnancy, the prescription drugs valproic acid and
thalidomide have been linked with a higher risk of ASD.
There is some evidence that the critical period for developing ASD occurs before,
during, and immediately after birth. 17
Children born to older parents are at greater risk for having ASD.
Bi-polar Disorder
Symptoms
There are several types of bipolar and related disorders. They may include mania or
hypomania and depression. Symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and
behavior, resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life.
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Bipolar I disorder. You've had at least one manic episode that may be preceded
or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania
may trigger a break from reality (psychosis).
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Bipolar II disorder. You've had at least one major depressive episode and at least
one hypomanic episode, but you've never had a manic episode.
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Cyclothymic disorder. You've had at least two years — or one year in children
and teenagers — of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of
depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression).
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Other types. These include, for example, bipolar and related disorders induced by
certain drugs or alcohol or due to a medical condition, such as Cushing's disease,
multiple sclerosis or stroke.
Causes
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but several factors may be involved,
such as:
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Biological differences. People with bipolar disorder appear to have physical
changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may
eventually help pinpoint causes.
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Genetics. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree
relative, such as a sibling or parent, with the condition. Researchers are trying to
find genes that may be involved in causing bipolar disorder.
Eating disorder
Symptoms
Symptoms vary, depending on the type of eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia
nervosa and binge-eating disorder are the most common eating disorders. Other eating
disorders include rumination disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
Causes
The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. As with other mental illnesses, there
may be many causes, such as:
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Genetics and biology. Certain people may have genes that increase their risk of
developing eating disorders. Biological factors, such as changes in brain
chemicals, may play a role in eating disorders.
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Psychological and emotional health. People with eating disorders may have
psychological and emotional problems that contribute to the disorder. They may
have low self-esteem, perfectionism, impulsive behavior and troubled relationships.
Schizophrenia
Symptoms
Schizophrenia involves a range of problems with thinking (cognition), behavior and
emotions. Signs and symptoms may vary, but usually involve delusions, hallucinations
or disorganized speech, and reflect an impaired ability to function. Symptoms may
include:
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Delusions. These are false beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, you
think that you're being harmed or harassed; certain gestures or comments are
directed at you; you have exceptional ability or fame; another person is in love with
you; or a major catastrophe is about to occur. Delusions occur in most people with
schizophrenia.
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Hallucinations. These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist. Yet
for the person with schizophrenia, they have the full force and impact of a normal
experience. Hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the
most common hallucination.
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Disorganized thinking (speech). Disorganized thinking is inferred from
disorganized speech. Effective communication can be impaired, and answers to
questions may be partially or completely unrelated. Rarely, speech may include
putting together meaningless words that can't be understood, sometimes known as
word salad.
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Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior. This may show in a
number of ways, from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation. Behavior isn't
focused on a goal, so it's hard to do tasks. Behavior can include resistance to
instructions, inappropriate or bizarre posture, a complete lack of response, or
useless and excessive movement.
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Negative symptoms. This refers to reduced or lack of ability to function normally.
For example, the person may neglect personal hygiene or appear to lack emotion
(doesn't make eye contact, doesn't change facial expressions or speaks in a
monotone). Also, the person may lose interest in everyday activities, socially
withdraw or lack the ability to experience pleasure.
Symptoms can vary in type and severity over time, with periods of worsening and
remission of symptoms. Some symptoms may always be present.
Causes
It's not known what causes schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of
genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to development of the disorder.
Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters
called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies
show differences in the brain structure and central nervous system of people with
schizophrenia. While researchers aren't certain about the significance of these changes,
they indicate that schizophrenia is a brain disease.
Eight tips for talking about mental health
1. Set time aside with no distractions
It is important to provide an open and non-judgemental space with no distractions.
2. Let them share as much or as little as they want to
Let them lead the discussion at their own pace. Don’t put pressure on them to tell you
anything they aren’t ready to talk about. Talking can take a lot of trust and courage. You
might be the first person they have been able to talk to about this.
3. Don't try to diagnose or second guess their feelings
You probably aren’t a medical expert and, while you may be happy to talk and offer
support, you aren’t a trained counsellor. Try not to make assumptions about what is
wrong or jump in too quickly with your own diagnosis or solutions.
4. Keep questions open ended
Say "Why don’t you tell me how you are feeling?" rather than "I can see you are feeling
very low". Try to keep your language neutral. Give the person time to answer and try not
to grill them with too many questions.
5. Talk about wellbeing
Talk about ways of de-stressing or practicing self-care and ask if they find anything
helpful. Exercising, having a healthy diet and getting a good nights sleep can help
protect mental health and sustain wellbeing.
6. Listen carefully to what they tell you
Repeat what they have said back to them to ensure you have understood it. You don’t
have to agree with what they are saying, but by showing you understand how they feel,
you are letting them know you respect their feelings.
7. Offer them help in seeking professional support and provide information on
ways to do this
You might want to offer to go the GP with them, or help them talk to a friend or family
member. Try not to take control and allow them to make decisions.
8. Know your limits
Ask for help or signpost if the problem is serious. If you believe they are in immediate
danger or they have injuries that need medical attention, you need to take action to
make sure they are safe. More details on dealing in a crisis can be found below.
References:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/supporting-someone-mental-healthproblem
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc20354443
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc20354443
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc20353603
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc20353603
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc20355955
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxietydisorders#:~:text=An%20anxiety%20disorder%20is%20a,a%20pounding%20heart%20a
nd%20sweating.
https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-adhd-symptoms-causes-treatments/