What Are The Leading Causes Of Mental Health Problems Among Adolescents?

The term mental health can refer to a person’s well being as a whole, or to their ability to enjoy life. It can also mean the ability to live a productive and successful life, and the absence of disease, disability. It is important to identify and treat mental health problems early on so that they can be overcome.

The first category that encompasses mental health problems in adolescents is referred to as neurotic disorder. Neurotic disorders are characterized by excessive worry or fear about everyday events, problems with peers, relationships, work, or finances, and other typical teen symptoms. Most often, these problems are not recognized as they persist into adulthood and then become more acute as the adolescent enters adolescence. By the time adolescence hits, the teenager has likely experienced a traumatic life event that left them fearful and anxious.

A second type of disorder is referred to as adolescent bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders typically begin during adolescence and persist through adulthood. Bipolar patients experience extreme emotional highs, but extreme lows as well. Because bipolar disorder is an enduring state of moodiness, most patients are unable to function properly in the workforce. As a result, those with this condition are at elevated risk-taking behaviours and tend to neglect their financial responsibilities.

The third category of mental health conditions for adolescents is referred to as adolescent depression. While not common in all cases, adolescent depression can have negative effects on self-esteem, relationships, academic performance, physical health and functioning, and suicidal ideation or attempts. In fact, depression in adolescents is one of the highest causes of deaths among this age group.

Finally, an additional category of mental health conditions for adolescents is referred to as adjustment disorder. Adolescents with this issue tend to exhibit problematic thoughts and behaviors related to self-image, adjustment, and success. These individuals are at high risk-taking behaviours and tend to have low self-esteem, depressive tendencies, and engage in self-destructive sexual behaviour. Adjustment disorder in adolescents is a leading cause of unintentional injury.

In addition to these three categories of mental health conditions for adolescents aged 13 and older, poor peer relationships, increased alcohol and drug use, and teenage suicide are other well-known issues. Peer problems are common among adolescents and occur when adolescents regularly interact with less-than-attractive peers. Drug use and alcoholism add to this problem. Alcohol consumption leads to impaired judgment, impaired decision making, poor impulse control, sleep disturbances, and substance abuse. Teenagers who consume excessive alcohol are likely to experience early onset of obesity, insomnia, and chronic coughs.

Childhood behavioural disorders that are commonly present in adolescents are attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and anxiety. Depression is the most common mental health condition among adolescents aged 10-14. Symptoms include unexplainable sadness and fatigue, and the inability to gain or maintain an interest in activities. ADD/ADHD includes inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity; these symptoms may be present in conjunction with other difficulties such as forgetfulness, poor concentration, and fidgeting. Bipolar disorder is diagnosed if two or more of the following symptoms are present: irritability, agitation, and restlessness. Eating disorders include obesity, dietary deficiencies, and the inability to achieve weight goals.

Anxiety is another well-known issue among adolescents and one of the leading cause of impairment in adulthood. Anxiety generally affects self-esteem and may result in the inability to make responsible decisions. Other eating disorders commonly emerge in adolescence, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia is a life-threatening condition, and the treatment of this condition should be started at an early age. Bulimia nervosa is a condition in which a person consumes large amounts of food that is binge-eating and results in excessive fluid loss, which can then trigger depression.