Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence - Essay Example

Disorders of childhood and adolescence Introduction According to American Psychiatric Association (2000), internalizing and externalizing disorders are disorders which affect childhood and adolescence behavior. Internalizing disorders include anxiety and affective disorders which affect internal thoughts and feelings. These behaviors are usually harmful and disruptive to others and signify core disturbances in moods and emotions directed against oneself (Maddux & Winstead 2008). They consist of problems which are related to fear, worry, low self esteem, shyness, sadness and depression.

Externalizing disorders on the other hand are behavioral problems which affect how a certain child relates to the environment. They are in many cases associated with inattention, defiance, bad conduct and opposition. Such disorders include control problems and inattention and impulsivity problems (New York State Office of Mental Health 2009). Through examining these externalizing and internalizing disorders of childhood and adolescence development, this paper seeks to examine how mental illness can be prevented in children and on similar basis how youth mental health can be promoted.

Mental illnesses Developmental disorders affect and interrupt normal development in childhood whereas cognitive disorders affect mental functioning and thus its processes. The affected processes include ability to; learn, remember and perceive (Maddux and Winstead 2008). If these disorders are not detected and treated at an early stage they can result in mental illnesses. As observed by Maddux & Winstead (2008), mental illness is the abnormal functioning of the brain. About 20% of American children suffer from diagnosable mental illnesses in a given year (American Psychiatric Association 2000).

There used to be much fear and mystery surrounding mental illness but recently, there has been a notable improvement in the understanding and ability to offer effective treatment to mental illnesses. However a number of questions remain unanswered and prevent people from receiving help about mental illness. Causes of mental illnesses The cause of mental illness in children and adolescents has not been identified yet. It is however believed to be caused by combination of various factors. These factors include genetics, psychological trauma, environmental stress and other biological related factors (Maddux and Winsted 2008).

Symptoms of mental illness Major mental illnesses do not appear before showing some symptoms. Most often, an individual will recognize something is not right about their feeling and behavior (Maddux and Winstead 2008). For example, social withdrawal or changes in sleep and eating patterns just to mention a few. The general symptoms include: abuse of drugs especially alcohol, dramatic changes in sleep and eating habits, excess complains about physical ailments, rapid swings in feelings or mood swings often accompanied by poor appetite and thoughts of death, unusual drop in functioning especially at school leading to drop in performance despite good efforts, loss in interest in friends and things one used to enjoy leading to social withdrawal and becoming hyperactive, persistent, disobedient and behaving aggressively (American Psychiatric Association 2000).

Types of mental illnesses Just like other physical illnesses, mental illness comes in many forms. The resultant type of mental illness is in most cases dictated by the symptoms experienced. The common forms of mental disorders in children include: anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, tic disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, sleeping disorders, pervasive development disorders, learning disorders and elimination disorders (Maddux and Winstead 2008). Preventing mental illness in children Preventing mental disorders in children begins with accepting the fact that mental disorders exist and are common among children and adolescents.

Despite the fact that some mental illnesses cannot be prevented, once symptoms have been identified and treatment is started early, it is possible to reduce effects of mental illness or better still prevent it (New York State Office of Mental Health 2009). Prevention of mental disorders in children is made easier by understanding causes of mental illnesses. For instance, understanding stress or traumatic experiences cause mental illness, it is possible for one to take necessary precautions and prevent traumatic related mental illnesses (New York State Office of Mental Health 2009).

It is important to have a clear understanding of the family history. This will prevent mental illnesses because one is able to determine the percentage of a child acquiring mental illness and take appropriate measures (Maddux & Winstead 2008). This prevents mental illnesses which are genetically caused. It is also apparent to address traumatic or stressful situations a child underwent. This could be a divorce, death of a parent or any other traumatizing issue a child underwent in the past. This involves talking with the affected child about feelings they may be going through and ease the stress thus preventing mental illnesses (New York State Office of Mental Health 2009).

Parents should take initiative to keep their children mentally, emotionally and physically healthy. This incorporates relaxation techniques in their daily life. This can include going out for picnics and allocating play time in the schedule of children. This way, children are able to ease tension and relax their minds thus prevent mental illness especially those related to anxiety and eating disorders. Most importantly, it is important for parents to understand the signs that could be warning about an upcoming problem.

The moment a parent notices a change in their child’s behavior relative to those related to mental illness symptoms, it is important to take them to a doctor or a psychologist. This will prevent mental illness a great deal because any complications are detected and treated at an early stage. Promoting youth mental health Because of the large percentage of children and young adults being affected with mental illnesses, it is important to address this issue and discuss measures on how to promote mental health amongst youths.

The first step should be discussing and dispelling any negative attitude about mental illness. This will encourage people to come up for diagnosis and receive early treatment and thus promote mental health. This can be enhanced by applying school based interventions and through creating screening programs. It is also important to create interactive programs which encourage people to share their experiences about mental problems (New York State Office of Mental Health 2009) and thus promote mental health.

Asking people with mental illnesses to share their common experiences and issues can also play an important role. This could open up minds of the youths and shed more light about mental illnesses thus promoting mental health. Most importantly, it is necessary to establish guidance and counseling programs that can effectively address certain problems in adolescents to enable them cope up with most issues affecting their lives because if some are not attended to, they could result in mental complications.

Conclusion Sometimes externalizing and internalizing disorders together with developmental and cognitive disorders usually result in mental illnesses in children and adolescents. It is thus important to identify them and treat them in order to curb mental illnesses. Once mental illnesses are curbed in children and adolescents, it implies promotion of mental health in youths. References: American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

Maddux, J. E., & Winstead, B. A. (Eds.) (2008). Psychopathology: Foundation for a contemporary understanding. 2nd Ed. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum New York State Office of Mental Health. (2009). Statewide Comprehensive Plan. New York: John Wiley & Sons.