THE 9 MOST COMMON PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS IN ADOLESCENCE - ECONOMÍA - 2025

The psychological disorders in adolescence are common and detect them early is a great advantage to prevent progress in adulthood. Mental disorders or psychological problems are characterized by changes in mood, thinking and behavior, or some combination of them.

They can cause a person's discomfort or a decrease in their quality of life and in their ability to function properly physically, mentally and socially. More than half of all mental disorders and addictions begin by the age of 14 and 3 out of 4 begin by the age of 24.

It is difficult to estimate the number of adolescents who have a psychological disorder for several reasons:

• Many adolescents do not communicate their situation.
• The definition of disorders varies.
• The diagnosis is made by clinical judgment -subjective judgments-, not by biological markers -objective judgments-.

The 9 most common psychological problems and mental disorders in adolescents

Some of the mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders that can occur during adolescence and childhood are described below. Each of them can have a great impact on a person's overall health.

1- Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common in adolescence.

Adolescents with these disorders experience excessive worry or fear that interferes with their daily life.

They include:

• Panic attacks.
• Phobias
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Generalized anxiety disorder.

2- Depression

Major depression can occur in both adolescence and childhood.

Some teens who have depression may not value their lives and it can lead to suicide.

In this disorder there are changes in:

• Emotions: sadness, crying, low self-esteem.
• Thoughts: beliefs of ugliness, low courage or inability to do activities.
• Physical well-being: changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
• Motivation: drop in grades, lack of interest in recreational activities.

3- Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by exaggerated mood swings between depression and mania (high arousal).

Between the two extremes, periods of moderate arousal may occur.

During a period of mania, the adolescent may not stop moving, sleep, talk, or show lack of self-control.

4- Lack of attention / hyperactivity

Without a doubt, ADHD has been overdiagnosed in recent years. Currently, it is believed to occur in 5% of adolescents.

An adolescent with hyperactivity lacks attention span, is impulsive, and is easily distracted.

5- Learning disorders

Learning disorders affect an adolescent's ability to receive or express information.

These difficulties can be shown with problems in writing, language, coordination, attention or self-control.

6- Behavior disorders

This disorder is characterized by the behavior of adolescents in an impulsive and destructive way.

Adolescents with these disorders can violate the rights of others and the rules of society.

Examples:

• Robberies
• Assaults
• Lies.
• Vandalism.
• Fires.

7- Eating disorders

Anorexia nervosa affects about 1% of adolescent girls and fewer boys.

This disorder can seriously affect eating and it is important to treat it promptly and by a professional.

Adolescents with bulimia vary from 1-3% of the population and, as in anorexia, try to prevent weight gain, although in this case by vomiting, using laxatives or exercising obsessively.

8- Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia usually begins in the late teens or early adulthood.

It can be a devastating disorder with very negative consequences for well-being and quality of life.

Adolescents with psychotic periods may have hallucinations, isolation, or loss of contact with reality, among other symptoms.

Suicidal thoughts

Suicide can also occur in adolescents and in 90% of cases there is a mental disorder.

It is advisable to be alert to those worthy of depression and especially to prevent school bullying teachers.

Warning signs of mental disorders in adolescence

Everyone experiences mood swings. However, in adolescents this trend is more marked.

In a short space of time they can go from feeling excited to being anxious or irritable.

Due to the hormonal and brain changes that occur in this vital period, there are those constant ups and downs.

However, psychological disorders can cause excessive emotional reactions or have negative consequences in social and personal life.

These symptoms aren't always obvious, although parents, teachers, and other authority figures should be on the lookout for any signs.

Some red flags are:

• Hate.
• Irritability.
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep
• Social isolation.
• Impulsiveness.

It can be difficult to distinguish between normal changes in a teenager and symptoms of mental illness.

• Does your child have any of these symptoms ?:
• Do you avoid situations or places?
• Do you complain of physical problems like headache, stomach, sleep or energy?
• Are you socially isolated?
• Do you express fear of gaining weight or eat unhealthy?
• Do you use drugs or alcohol?
• Show little concern for the rights of others?
• Are they talking about suicide?

If your child shows one or more of these changes and it has an impact on his life, it is best to speak with them and seek a professional to better evaluate the case and provide possible treatment.

Consequences of mental disorders

The consequences can be short or long term.

In fact, most mental disorders that are diagnosed in adults begin in adolescence, although other disorders that occur in adolescence can diminish in adulthood if they are treated.

They are often associated with consequences such as:

• Decrease in social relationships.
• Worse academic results.
• Risk of pregnancy.
• Risk of contracting sexual diseases.
• Problems with the judicial system.
• Suicide.

What can you do?

Mental disorders can be successfully treated and the earlier they are found and treated, the more likely there is to be a cure.

The type of treatment that works best for an adolescent depends on the adolescent's needs.

There are different options:

• Family therapy: helps the family cope better with the situation and manage the adolescent's behaviors.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Helps recognize and change unhealthy mental health thinking patterns and behaviors.
• Social Skills Training: Helps teens with low self-esteem issues and relationship difficulties.
• Support groups for teens and family.
• Medication: For young people, medication is not the first option considered. If they are suggested by a professional, they should be treated together with another type of treatment.

Risk of having mental disorders

• Generally, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with behavior problems than girls.
• Girls are more diagnosed with depression and eating disorders.
• Adolescents whose parents have lower levels of education are at higher risk of having mental disorders than those whose parents have higher levels of education.
• Teens whose parents are divorced are also more likely than teens with married or cohabiting parents.
• Teenagers who are bullied and those who have been sexually abused are also at higher risk.
• Adolescents whose parents have had or have disorders are at higher risk.