“Childhood Mental Disorders - A fact sheet produced by the Mental Health Information Service”
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Childhood is often associated with happiness and trouble-free fun, so when a child is diagnosed with a mental illness, the parents often feel like they’ve done something wrong, like it’s their fault.

This isn’t always the case though, as the causes of mental illness are complex and never involve only one factor.

Most disorders are not specific to childhood or adolescence, however the symptoms usually develop during this period.

STATISTICS

 1 in 10 children between the ages of 6 and 12 experience persistent feelings of sadness

 11.2% of all children have the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

 Approximately 3% of children 17 & under have a conduct disorder

 Autism occurs in as many as 5 out of 10,000 children

 Up to 10% of women suffer an eating disorder during adolescence, less for men

 1 in 10 children have some sort of learning disability

As you can see, you are not alone if your child has a mental illness. Here are some facts about the more common forms of mental illness in children and adolescents.

DEPRESSION

Depressive disorders occur less frequently in children than adults, but rise dramatically in adolescence where depression is more frequent than adults.

Parents should be aware of the core symptoms that may signal depression in children, as children may not be able or willing to express them. Such as:

 A marked drop in school performance

 Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

 Sudden outburst of anger, aggression and/or crying

 Suicidal thoughts

 Excessive fear or anxiety

 Abuse of alcohol, drugs and/or self

 Constant physical complaints with no apparent cause

 Excessive concentration on studying or watching TV at home whilst avoiding contact with friends

Treatment of depression is essential, as childhood and adolescence is a time where people learn their social and academic skills.

Through the use of psychotherapy and medication, children and adolescents are able to express their feelings and develop coping strategies to deal with their illness, hence improving their self-esteem and future prospects.

Early diagnosis means a minimal disturbance of normal functioning. For more support and information, contact Lifeline on 131114, Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800 or see www.reachout.com.au.

ANXIETY

Nearly all children develop fears of the dark, monsters, witches or other fantasy characters.

Normally these fears fade away with age, however sometimes they linger and interfere with a child’s normal functioning.

For children, this can be a traumatic time, professional intervention may be needed. Below is an outline of the more common childhood anxieties.

Simple Phobias

A simple phobia is an overwhelming fear of a specific object, for example an animal or a kitchen object. Nearly half of all children report having fears, and many more have phobias but don’t get treatment.

A simple phobia only becomes a problem when it interferes with the child’s daily life, for example, when a child is too afraid to go outside at all for fear of being attacked by a dog, whether there is a dog around or not.

When the child reaches this point, it is probably time to seek professional intervention. Treatment is usually through medication and behaviour therapy.

Behaviour therapy is where the child is exposed to the feared object in a carefully controlled environment, the purpose being to reduce and control the child’s fear.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Children can develop an attachment to a caregiver so strong that they experience intense anxiety and panic upon separation.

This anxiety is so strong that it interferes with the child’s ability to function normally, and can develop into a flat refusal to go to school for fear of permanent separation. Some of the more common symptoms that can occur are:

 Constant thoughts and fears about safety of self and parent

 Refusing to go to school

 Frequent stomach aches and other physical complaints

 Extreme worries about sleeping away from home

 Overly clingy behaviour at home

 Panic or tantrums at times of separation from parents

Parents should be alert to the signs of severe anxiety so they can intervene early to prevent complications. Early treatment can prevent future difficulties, such as, loss of friendships, failure to reach social and academic potential, and feelings of low self-esteem.

Severe anxiety problems in children can be treated. Treatments may include a combination of the following: individual psychotherapy, family therapy, medications, behavioural treatments, and consultation with the school.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalised anxiety disorder is marked by unrealistic and excessive worry, accompanied by constant and often unnecessary concern about anything or everything.

Less frequent in children, the irrational worry is accompanied by a feeling of constant apprehension.

Panic Disorder

Panic attacks occur when the body gives off the same distress signals that occur when a person is faced with a life-threatening or similar event - yet no such trigger is present.

This means that a person may be sleeping, relaxing or just going about their daily business when they suddenly feel some or all of the symptoms of a panic attack including: chest pain, palpitations, trembling legs.

The person may feel they are going crazy or that they are about to have a heart attack.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterised by an uneasiness, fear or dread about leaving familiar surroundings.

This may include a reluctance to travel, particularly on public transport, or to be in crowded places. It is associated with severe physical symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.

It is a condition related to anxiety, depression, panic and other phobias.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an Anxiety Disorder that is mainly characterised by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviours (compulsions).

Individuals with OCD are besieged by patterns of unwanted, repetitive thoughts and repetitious behaviours that are distressing and difficult to ignore or overcome completely.

Adolescents and parents of children who seem to be exhibiting signs of an anxiety disorder should contact a child and adolescent psychiatrist, or their local mental health centre (see ‘Community Health Centre’ in the local White Pages).

Telephone information and support lines can also provide valuable information and advice about anxiety and children, contact Lifeline on 131 114, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, www.reachout.com.au or Anxiety Disorders Alliance on 02 9570 3746.

CONDUCT DISORDER (oppositional defiant disorder)

Children with conduct disorder exhibit behaviour that shows a persistent disregard for the norms and rules of society and other people’s basic rights.

Conduct disorder, one of the most frequently seen mental disorders in adolescents, affects approximately 3% of adolescents under 17.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder indicates similar behaviour, but generally not across all environments (e.g.difficult at home but normal with friends).

Children who exhibit a number of the following symptoms over a short period of time should consider getting help.

 Stealing

 Constantly lying

 Deliberately lighting fires

 Truancy

 Deliberate cruelty to animals and/or humans

 Disregard for other people’s property and self

 Starting conflicts

 Forcing others into sexual acts

Appropriate treatment for conduct disorder is essential. Treatment is by behaviour therapy and psychotherapy, either individual or group sessions.

Conduct Disorder is distinct from ADHD and other personality disorders, however there is a high rate of co-morbidity. Medications are sometimes used. More information can be obtained from your local GP or community health centre.

AUTISM

Autism becomes apparent at around the age of 2 ½. It is marked by a dramatically impaired ability to communicate and interact with others. Children with autism also have a low level of activity and range of interests.

The disorder does not have a single cause; instead, it is likely that a number of biological and psychosocial influences are involved. Some of the symptoms are:

 Never learn to talk properly

 May repeatedly say a word or phrase heard in a conversation or TV

 Repetitive body movements

 Attachment to an unusual object (e.g. string)

 Extreme distress at a change in their environment

There are many different therapies that seek to improve the individual symptoms of autism. Early detection and intervention is essential to help maximize a child’s potential.

For more information, it is best to contact a Child and Adolescent psychiatrist through your local GP.

LEARNING DISABILITIES

Children with learning disabilities usually have a normal range of intelligence.

They try hard at school and home, but never seem to master tasks. It is believed that learning disorders are caused by a difficulty within the nervous system, that being the receiving, processing and communication of information.

Some children with learning disorders are also hyperactive and have a short attention span. Some common symptoms are:

 Difficulty understanding and following instructions.

 Trouble remembering what someone just told him or her.

 Failing to master reading, spelling, writing, and/or math skills, and thus fails schoolwork.

 Difficulty distinguishing right from left; difficulty identifying words or a tendency to reverse letters, words, or numbers. (For example, confusing 25 with 52, "b" with "d," or "on" with "no").

 Lacks coordination in walking, sports, or small activities such as holding a pencil or tying a shoelace.

 Easily loses or misplaces homework, schoolbooks, or other items.

 Cannot understand the concept of time; is confused by "yesterday," "today," "tomorrow.”

A child and adolescent psychiatrist can help co-ordinate an evaluation, and work with school professionals and others to determine the existence and extent of any learning disorder.

They can make recommendations for special educational requirements, speech therapy and learning techniques. It is important to address this problem, as it can affect a child’s self-confidence, hence future potential.

Further help and referrals can be obtained through your local GP and the Australian Psychological Society on 1800 333 497.

SLEEP PROBLEMS

Many children have sleep problems. Some examples are:

 Frequent awakening during the night

 Talking during sleep

 Difficulty falling asleep

 Waking up crying

 Feeling sleepy during the day

 Nightmares

 Bedwetting

 Sleepwalking

As most parents will know, these symptoms are fairly standard occurrences for children. Normally they are due to irregular sleeping habits, separation anxiety or emotional difficulties.

Whilst feeding and rocking a child to sleep is beneficial, it is not a long term solution, and parents should encourage their children to go to sleep on their own.

When the symptoms start affecting the child’s regular activities, or occur several times a night, it could be beneficial to see your local GP, or a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Fortunately, most sleep problems will disappear as the child gets older.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on any of these disorders, contact Anxiety Disorders Alliance on 02 9570 4519, your local GP or the Mental Health Information Service (02 9816 5688 or 1800 674 200 (outside Sydney Metro) for fact sheets and services in your area.

To get help for your child, visit your GP or a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist.

Sources

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry www.aacap.orgAmerican Psychiatric Association www.psych.orgThe Mental Health of Young People in Australia National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing October 2000Barlow, D.H. and Durand, V.M. (1999) Abnormal Psychology 2nd Edition Brooks/Cole Publishing USA

DisclaimerThe information provided is to be used for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional care in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Information may be reproduced with an acknowledgement to the Mental Health Association NSW. This, and other fact sheets are available for download from www.mentalhealth.asn.au. This fact sheet was last updated in Spring, 2001.

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