Childhood mental illness list
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Common Childhood Mental Illnesses: A Comprehensive Overview
Prevalence of Childhood Mental Disorders
Childhood mental disorders are prevalent and pose significant challenges for affected individuals and their families. Research indicates that approximately 12.7% of children in high-income countries suffer from some form of mental disorder, with anxiety (5.2%), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (3.7%), oppositional defiant disorder (3.3%), substance use disorders (2.3%), conduct disorder (1.3%), and depressive disorders (1.3%) being the most common . These disorders often persist into adulthood, causing long-term impairment and necessitating early intervention and treatment.
Early Childhood Mental Disorders
In early childhood, defined as up to the age of six, about 17% of children experience mental disorders. Common issues include emotional and motor regulation disorders (7%), feeding problems (25%), and reactive attachment disorder (1%) . Preschool children can also develop anxiety, depressive disorders, hyperactivity, and behavioral disorders, with boys being more prone to hyperactivity and behavioral issues. Effective treatments for these early childhood disorders include parent training and parent-child psychotherapy .
Impact of Chronic Physical Illness on Mental Health
Children with chronic physical illnesses such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic renal failure, congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, type 1 diabetes, and epilepsy are at a higher risk of developing emotional problems like depression and anxiety. These mental health issues often persist into adulthood, highlighting the need for targeted mental health prevention and intervention strategies for children with chronic physical illnesses .
Psychotic Experiences and Mental Disorders
Psychotic experiences (PEs) in childhood and adolescence are associated with a significantly increased risk of various mental disorders. Children and adolescents reporting PEs have a three-fold increased risk of any mental disorder and a four-fold increased risk of psychotic disorders. PEs are also linked to higher risks of affective disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders, and substance-use disorders .
Behavioral and Emotional Disorders
Behavioral and emotional disorders in children include disruptive behaviors, depression, anxiety, and pervasive developmental disorders such as autism. Disruptive behavioral problems, including temper tantrums, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorders, are particularly common in preschool and school-age children. These disorders can negatively impact academic, occupational, and psychosocial functioning, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and intervention .
Childhood Adversities and Mental Health
Childhood adversities, such as trauma within the family, are significant contributors to mental health problems. Adversities like parental divorce, separation, death, or neglect are linked to various mental health issues, including ADHD, personality disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, smoking behavior, alcohol abuse, and distress. Interventions for children facing such adversities are crucial to prevent the development of mental health disorders .
Conclusion
Childhood mental illnesses are diverse and widespread, affecting a significant portion of the population. Early identification and intervention are critical to mitigate the long-term impacts of these disorders. Effective treatment strategies, including psychotherapy and targeted interventions for children with chronic physical illnesses or those experiencing adversities, can significantly improve outcomes. Increased public investment in mental health services and preventive measures is essential to address the growing mental health needs of children.
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