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Signs Of Early Mental Illness - Health - Nairaland

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Signs Of Early Mental Illness by supereagle(m): 12:51pm On Mar 09, 2013
Signs of mental illness in children can be very difficult to detect, because most parents tend to watch out for physical signs when something doesn’t seem right with the child. Once this is ruled out, there is usually another explanation for why a child is acting odd - mental illness.

Since it is quite difficult to identify this condition in a child, it is important to watch out for signs that may indicate there is a problem. The exact cause of mental illness is not known, but researchers think that a combination of factors such as environmental stress, trauma, heredity and biology may be involved.

Some mental health conditions can also result in this disorder. They include:
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating are very serious conditions in children that could cause mental illnesses. Children get quite pre-occupied with food and weight that it is difficult to pay attention to anything else.

• Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): One in 10 children is diagnosed with ADHD. This is a problem with inattentiveness, hyper-activity, and impulsive behaviour or a combination. Children, who suffer from ADHD, are more likely to develop other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and commit suicide.

• Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. Symptoms vary from child to child. Children with characteristics of autism have co-occurring conditions.

• Mood disorders, sometimes referred to as affective disorders, are a category of mental health problems that can range from all types of depression to bipolar disorder. This can make a child to have a persistent feeling of sadness or mood swings. However, children and adolescents do not necessarily experience or exhibit the same symptoms as adults. It is more difficult to diagnose mood disorders in children, especially because children are not always able to express how they feel. Research has shown that mood disorders in children and adolescents remain one of the most under-diagnosed mental health problems.

• Schizophrenia is a condition in children that is characterised by degeneration of thinking and emotional processes. This rare disorder makes it difficult to differentiate between what is real and unreal, relate to others, manage emotions and think clearly. Over time, it could result in a mental problem in a child experiencing it.

Warning signs parents should watch out for:
• When a child finds it difficult to concentrate, especially having trouble focusing or sitting still. Both could lead to poor performance in school and possible affect the child in near future.

• Drastic change in behaviour or personality, as well as violent or out-of control behaviour. Frequent fighting, using weapons and having the tendency to hurt others are all warning signs. As soon as any of these is noticed, parents should swing into action immediately.

• A sudden loss of appetite which could cause weight loss or frequent vomiting may indicate that the child is suffering from an eating disorder. More attention should be paid to children in order to monitor their eating habits.

• Mood changes such as feeling of withdrawal or sadness for a period of two weeks or more can cause problems in relationships at home and school. It is advisable to try to find out what the problem is when a child comes up with these symptoms.

• Some kids get involved in drug or alcohol in order to be able to cope with their feelings. Changes are easily detected in children when they begin to use substances, and hence, urgent measures should be taken.

• Be aware of feelings of overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, fast breathing or worries, or fears intense enough to interfere with daily activities.

• Sometimes, a mental health condition leads to suicidal thoughts or actual attempts at self-harm or suicide.
http://leadership.ng/nga/articles/49596/2013/03/09/signs_early_mental_illness.html

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