Kinder Therapie

Mental disorders & developmental delays in children and adolescents

Mental health problems and developmental delays in children and adolescents are more widespread than the general public realise. In this article you can read up on the topic.

ImportantSelf-diagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment. Therapists and doctors have the Necessary training and experienceto diagnose and treat diseases. Therefore ALWAYS consult an appropriate expert in advance!

Table of contents

Mental illnesses in children and adolescents

Transcribed developmental disorders

Circumscribed developmental disorders (UES) are Impairments in certain areaswhich is already in the early development.

Special features:

  • Isolated: The impairment is limited to one area, while other areas are normally developed.
  • Intelligence: General intelligence is not affected.

Types of UES

    • Language comprehension
    • Language production
    • Speech motor skills
    • Reading and spelling disorder (LRS)
    • Calculation disorder (dyscalculia)
    • Gross motor skills (e.g. coordination)
    • Fine motor skills (e.g. dexterity)

Disorders of social behaviour

Disorders of social behaviour describe a Patterns of dissocial, aggressive or rebellious behaviour.

  • This pattern is repeated and/or persistent.
  • It can lead to considerable impairments in social interaction and everyday life.

Emotional disorders of childhood

The emotional disorders of childhood primarily include anxiety disorders that occur in childhood. Essentially, these disorders are excessively pronounced normal development trends.

Main feature: Excessive fear of separation from important attachment figures

Symptoms:

    • Clinging to attachment figures
    • Refusal to stay alone
    • Nightmares and sleep disorders
    • Fear of school or kindergarten
    • Somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches

Main feature: Persistent and excessive fear of certain objects or situations

Typical phobias:

    • Animal phobias (e.g. spiders, dogs)
    • Nature phobias (e.g. thunderstorms, heights)
    • Blood-injection injury phobia
    • Situational phobias (e.g. school, enclosed spaces)

Main feature: Pronounced fear of social situations and interactions

Symptoms:

    • Avoidance of new situations and people
    • Shyness and restraint
    • Fear of failure and embarrassment

Main feature: Excessive jealousy and conflicts between siblings

Symptoms:

    • Disputes and aggression
    • Verbal and physical attacks
    • Feelings of shame and guilt
    • Depressive moods

Supplementary clinical pictures

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

ADHD is a neurological developmental disorder that probably genetic is.

Typical features of ADHD are:

  • Inattention: Difficulty concentrating, completing tasks and following instructions.
  • Hyperactivity: Restlessness, fidgeting, excessive talking and pacing.
  • Impulsiveness: Difficulties in waiting, rethinking decisions and controlling actions.

Depression

Depression are not just an "adult disease". Children and adolescents can also suffer from depression.

Typical signs of depression:

  • Persistent sadness
  • Lack of drive and interest
  • Social withdrawal

Eating disorders

Anorexia nervosa:

  • Characteristics: Pathological desire for constant weight loss
  • Symptoms: severely underweight, refusal to eat, distorted body image, fear of gaining weight

Bulimia (binge eating disorder):

  • Characteristics: Recurrent binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting
  • Symptoms: Normal weight or overweight, feeling of shame, depression, fear of gaining weight

Binge eating:

  • Characteristics: Recurrent binge eating without compensatory behaviour (e.g. vomiting)
  • Symptoms: Obesity, shame, depression, avoidance of social situations

Risk factors

A risk factor is a characteristic or trait that increases the risk of a person's Increased likelihood of developing a certain disorder. Compared to a group without this risk factor (unaffected control group), the risk for the affected group of people is therefore significantly higher.

There are Different types of risk factorsthat can increase the likelihood of a person developing problems.

Puberty

Puberty is a time of great change, both physically and mentally. During this vulnerable phase, there can be a mismatch between physical and psychological maturity. This mismatch, also known as "Maturation Mismatch Theory"can lead to a number of challenges that increase the risk of developing mental health problems.

Family influences

Family influences play an important role in the development of mental disorders in children and adolescents.

Parenting style:

  • Inconsistent behaviour of the parents can lead to Delinquency (offences against the law) for the child.
  • Overprotection and parental interference can emotional disorders such as separation anxiety.

Conflicts and stresses of the parents can have a particularly large influence on the Mental health of the child or adolescent.

Psychological or social abnormalities of a parent, such as Maternal depressionthe cognitive (spiritual) and social-emotional development negatively affect the child.

School system and pressure to perform

The high performance standards at school can have a considerable Burden for children and young people and as Risk factor for mental health problems such as burn-out.

The Bavarian Teachers' Association (BLLV) and Gymnasialeltern Bayern e. V. warn in a joint statement against the negative effects of:

  • Curriculum printing
  • Exam density
  • High requirements
  • Continuous performance assessment through examinations

These factors can severely affect students' mental health and lead to symptoms such as:

  • Exhaustion
  • Fear
  • Depression
  • Sleep disorders
  • Concentration difficulties lead.

Internet use

The role of the media and social networks is much discussed in our society. Besides positive aspects such as information and education are also Negative influences on body image and self-esteem, especially among young people.

Causes are in favour of this:

  • Comparison with unrealistic body images
  • Feeling of constant pressure to be perfect
  • Social isolation and bullying in online communities

Mental health problems in children and adolescents: Recognising signs and seeking help

Mental illnesses in children and adolescents are often difficult to recogniseas they are mainly located in the Interior and first play the Thinking and feeling before they have an impact on the Behaviour have.

Development-related Behavioural patterns in childhood and adolescence make identification even more difficult. Tantrums in early childhood or mood swings during puberty can be normal.

However, there are some symptoms that may indicate a mental illness and require immediate action:

  • Strong fear
  • Long-lasting sadness
  • Inner restlessness
  • Concentration problems
  • Psychosomatic symptoms such as headaches or gastrointestinal complaints

Parents, teachers and other carers should be attentive and, if a mental illness is suspected Seek professional helpeven if the child or young person refuses.

Important:

  • Do not hesitate to consult a doctor or psychologist.
  • The earlier a mental illness is recognised, the better the chances of treatment.

Naab, S., Kunkel, J., Fumi, M., & Voderholzer, U. (2017). Psychosocial risk factors for mental disorders in adolescence. Paediatrics, 29(5), 24-32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s15014-017-0941-x 

Attention, children's souls. (undated). Topic: Mental illnesses. Retrieved 26 February 2024 from http://tinyurl.com/22gwe4ok

Federal Centre for Health Education. (undated). Eating disorders. Retrieved 26 February 2024 from https://www.bzga-essstoerungen.de/

Emotional disturbance. (undated). Practice Manfred Wurstner & Colleagues, Specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. Retrieved 26 February 2024, from https://www.kinder-jugendpsychiater.org/diagnose/emotionale-stoerungen/

Schrör, S. (2021, August 17). Mental illness in children. NetDoctor. https://www.netdoktor.at/krankheiten/psychische-erkrankungen/bei-kindern/

Wewetzer, C. & Schneider, F. (2012). Mental illness in young patients. F, Schneider (Ed.), Facharztwissen Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie ( 1st edition, pp. 513-531). Springer.

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