Psychiatric Care for Children
Childhood is often characterized as an idyllic, carefree time. With few responsibilities and no grown-up problems, what could possibly cause a child to suffer from a mental health disorder? Unfortunately, mental illness isn’t always caused by a specific environmental trigger, and kids can be affected in many of the same ways that adults are. This is true of both adolescents and younger children. According to research, in fact, one out of every six children suffers from a mental health issue. If your child is part of this group, it’s essential to help them get the treatment that they need. Find out how you can connect your child with the right mental health resources.
Mental Health at Every Age
Mental health is an important issue at every age. Although phrases like “depressed” or “anxious” are most commonly used to describe adults, these words are equally applicable to kids. Medical professionals have even recognized the potential for depression in infants. Find out how kids and teens can foster mental health for a lifetime of wellness.
Psychiatric Care for Children (Kids)
Kids are vulnerable to a range of mental afflictions. This age group might not have to worry about bills and other adult obligations, but they are faced with stress at school, expectations from peers, and in some cases, trauma from bullying. Being a kid isn’t easy, so it’s no surprise that children can suffer from mental health challenges.
Some of the most common mental health issues affecting kids include depression and anxiety in Nashville. It’s important to note that symptoms of these ailments may present differently in children than they do in adults. Depression may manifest in kids through anger and irritability, for example, whereas it’s more likely to cause sadness and withdrawal in adults.
Psychiatric Care for Children (Teens)
Teens are particularly prone to mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. As adolescents go through puberty, hormonal changes often trigger an array of psychiatric disorders. Experts also hypothesize that this may also be due to structural changes that emerge in the cerebral cortex during this time. It’s likely that a combination of these factors contributes to mental illness in adolescents.
The emergence of depression, for example, has been linked to increased levels of estrogen, which occurs in both boys and girls during adolescence. These hormonal changes can have a major impact on mental health and disrupt serotonergic regulation. During puberty, regulating serotonin and dopamine levels can be challenging, but consulting with a mental health practitioner in Nashville can help.
Mental Health Issues Affecting Kids
Mental health issues can manifest in many different ways in kids. Some may suffer from the aforementioned ailments like depression or anxiety, and others might exhibit symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder or bipolar disorder in Nashville. Learn more about which mental health disorders most commonly affect kids.
ADHD in Nashville
According to research from the Centers for Disease Control, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Nashville is the most common mental health problem affecting youth. Data indicates that as many as 9.8% of all kids suffer from ADHD, which translates to about six million children. Some of the symptoms of ADHD in kids include the following:
- An inability to sit still
- Constant fidgeting
- Talking excessively
- Acting impulsively
- Difficulty concentrating
If your child exhibits a combination of these symptoms, they may be dealing with ADHD. Contrary to popular belief, ADHD does not just affect boys, and it doesn’t always cause obvious hyperactivity, either. Many kids with ADHD suffer from hyperactivity that manifests mentally rather than physically. These kids might exhibit symptoms by rapidly shifting between activities and ideas.
Anxiety in Nashville
The aforementioned research from the CDC indicates that anxiety is the second most common mental health issue among youth. This ailment can be seen in 9.4% of kids, which is approximately 5.8 million children. Symptoms of anxiety in kids may be similar to those experienced by adults, and they may include the following:
- Insomnia and nightmares
- Inconsistent eating habits
- Getting angry easily
- Obsessive worrying
Fortunately, there are treatment options available for kids who deal with anxiety in Nashville. This treatment may include coaching in coping techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, or medication. If you’re looking for anxiety medication in Nashville, find a provider who’s skilled in working with kids.
Causes of Mental Health Issues in Young People
There are many issues that can trigger mental health issues in children. Hormonal changes brought on by puberty are a common culprit, but there are many other issues that could be to blame for your child’s struggles, too.
Trauma
It is tragic but true that many people experience traumatic events in their childhood. Violence, abuse, and neglect affect countless kids every day. Unsurprisingly, these experiences leave a lasting mark on the psyche that often coincides with mental illness. In addition to post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma can lead to depression and anxiety.
This is because of the impact that trauma has on the brain. According to research, it can weaken the prefrontal cortex’s ability to function. This is particularly devastating for children whose brains are in a crucial stage of development. When this development is disrupted by trauma, it can have a lifelong impact, and the effects often become evident at a young age. Seeking treatment may help to reverse these consequences.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is yet another common cause of mental health issues in kids. According to research, 35% of children in the U.S. have experienced a health issue as a result of stress. Much like trauma, exposure to stress can potentially alter the development of the brain. Chronic stress increases the levels of cortisol in the body, and an excess of cortisol has been linked to both major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Parents can help kids lower their stress levels by encouraging them to discuss their feelings, ensuring they get enough sleep, and feeding them a healthy diet. Most importantly, though, parents should help kids identify the source of their stress and tackle the problem head-on. Sometimes this includes seeking treatment from a psychiatric provider in Nashville who can help kids find the right solution for anxiety or depression.
Heredity
The role of heredity cannot be overlooked when discussing mental illness in kids. Although these conditions are not always inherited, statistics indicate that between 30% and 50% of all instances of mental illness may be genetic. If you notice that your child is exhibiting symptoms that mirror symptoms you’ve experienced, there is a good chance they may have inherited your struggles.
It may be troubling to think about passing depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue to your children. Many parents in this situation, though, find that their shared experiences allow them to relate to their kids and provide advice more effectively. Your experience with mental health challenges may also make it easier to identify the signs that your child is struggling.
Mental Health Treatment for Kids
If you have a child or teen who’s dealing with mental health issues in Nashville, it may be challenging to find a provider who can help. Consider the following options when you’re looking for mental healthcare for kids in Nashville.
Psychiatric Care for Children (Medication)
Many kids and teens benefit from a treatment plan that includes medication prescribed by a mental health professional. The type of medication that’s prescribed will depend on the nature of the challenge your child is facing. Some of the most common psychiatric medications for kids include the following:
- SSRIs for depression and anxiety
- Stimulants for ADHD
- Antipsychotics for OCD
Working with a qualified professional is important when you’re considering medication for your kid. Children must be monitored closely to detect potential side effects and prevent any worsening of symptoms. Working with a psychiatric provider, such as a licensed nurse practitioner, can help you integrate medication into your child’s treatment regimen.
Psychiatric Care for Children (Therapy)
Therapy is another vital resource that can help kids cope with an array of mental health challenges. There are many forms of therapy that are popular for kids, including the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Integrative therapy
- Biofeedback therapy
- Psychoanalysis therapy
Each of these modalities is best suited to a different type of challenge. Just as you must take time to find the right mental healthcare provider for your child, you should also take time to ensure your child’s therapist is a good match, too. Look for a counselor who is willing to work alongside a psychiatric provider and offer fully integrated treatment.
Help Your Child or Teen Overcome Mental Health Struggles
As a parent, nothing is worse than watching your child struggle. You want to provide them with love and comfort, but sometimes this isn’t enough to help them overcome the challenges they face. This is especially true when the challenge in question is a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety. Luckily, though, you can connect your kid or teen with a mental healthcare provider who can provide the resources they need to be well. Trust Rose Behavioral Health for kids’ psychiatric care in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Clarksville, and throughout the rest of Tennessee. Book an appointment with us to get started.
