Hsco 500

Mental Illness in Children

Liberty University

Abstract

Approximately 20% of today’s youth is diagnosed with some form of mental illness. Mental illnesses are diagnosed based on the symptoms and behavior the child displays that meet criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses in children include: anxiety disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Children with mental illnesses often experience symptoms that could cause social, academic, physical and psychological impairments. Childhood mental illnesses are continuing to increase due to the various causes to include environmental, biological, genetic and psychological trauma. There are two main types of treatment for children with mental illness: medications and/or psychotherapy. A combination of both treatments have been proven to be the most effective when treating children with mental illnesses. This paper discusses the various types of mental illnesses commonly diagnosed in children as well as effective treatments most mental health professionals utilize.

Mental Illness in Children

Mental illness refers to an impaired behavior that ranges from mild impairment to poor performance in school as well as withdrawing into themselves such as self-mutilation. According to the United States Surgeon General, approximately 20% of the U. S. children under the age of 18 suffer from a mental illness. Many children with mental illnesses often have difficulties maintaining personal relationships with family and friends and are delayed in proper psychological development, performance at school, social integration, and self- esteem. Many youths who are left untreated often end up in the criminal justice system. There are several symptoms of mental illnesses to include loss of interest in activities the individual once enjoyed, defying authority, frequent temper tantrums,...