The classification of psychological disorders observed during childhood and adolescence is critically important for recognizing deviations from the norm based on both the individual's developmental process and age. The family's acceptance of the situation and adoption of an appropriate approach is a crucial support element for the success of the treatment process and the child's development.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children and Adolescents?
ADHD in children and adolescents is a condition that makes it difficult for individuals to exhibit effective and organized behavior. ADHD can manifest with symptoms such as difficulty in focusing and maintaining attention, impulsivity, restlessness, or hyperactivity. Children and adolescents with this disorder may find their attention easily diverted. They may face more difficulties than their peers in academic and social life.
What are Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder in Children and Adolescents?
Interactions developed between the individual and their parents during early childhood play a determining role in the formation of "Attachment Styles." These attachment styles shape the individual's future social and romantic relationships. Children who do not experience secure attachment in early stages may develop Oppositional Defiant Disorder and this condition can eventually turn into Conduct Disorder.
Research indicates that deficiencies in neuropsychological functions may contribute to the development of these disorders. For instance, factors like low verbal intelligence may cause difficulties in self-expression, leading to aggressive behaviors. Being aware of early risk factors is crucial for the prevention and management of such disorders.
Causes of Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Children with anxiety disorders tend to be more sensitive compared to their peers and may be more affected by negative stimuli. This may make it difficult for them to calm down and can lead to various challenges in their daily lives. Traumatic experiences such as hospitalization, severe illness, or accidents during early childhood can lay the groundwork for the development of anxiety disorders.
The attitude of parents also significantly influences anxiety disorders. An indifferent or detached attitude, or conversely, an overprotective and anxious approach, may lead to the development of anxiety in children. Factors such as moving which causes distance from the child's social environment or inability to cope with stressful situations can also trigger anxiety disorders.
Emotional, Cognitive, and Behavioral Disorders in Children
The ability to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors develops during childhood and adolescence. However, some children may struggle to maintain this balance. Symptoms such as severe temper tantrums, excessive shyness, neglect of social rules, and persistent difficulties in peer relationships could indicate an underlying psychological disorder. These conditions can often be more easily addressed if identified early.
Children with weak emotional awareness may have difficulty identifying and expressing their emotions. This can lead to negative thoughts and subsequently inappropriate behaviors. The connection among these three structures is a core focus in child psychotherapy. Through play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and emotional regulation studies, the healthy establishment of the emotion-thought-behavior connection in children can be supported.
Can Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder be Seen in Children?
Although panic attacks are often associated with adults, they can also occur in children and adolescents. A panic attack emerges with symptoms like sudden palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, trembling of hands, and when the child cannot make sense of these feelings, it may result in intense fear. Panic disorder, however, is characterized by recurrent attacks and persistent concern over having another attack.
Panic disorder in children may decrease school performance and lead to avoidance of social settings. This condition may also coexist with social phobia or social anxiety disorder. Early intervention allows children to cope better with their fears. Support from the family, creating a safe environment, and if necessary, psychiatric medication alongside psychotherapy, is crucial in the treatment of panic disorder.
Differences Between Social Anxiety Disorder and Social Phobia
Social anxiety disorder describes the condition where children avoid social settings due to fear of being judged or humiliated by others. Known as social phobia, this condition manifests in school-aged children by avoiding presentations, being reluctant to converse with teachers, and remaining silent in class.
Because of such anxieties, children may prefer isolation or experience physical symptoms: nausea, sweating, blushing, etc. If not treated in the long term, it could lead to school phobia, lack of self-confidence, and academic failure. Cognitive behavioral therapy can change these thought patterns and enable healthier social participation for children.
Connection Between Trauma and Eating Disorders
In children experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, significant changes in eating behaviors may be observed. Some children may lose their appetite while others might begin to eat uncontrollably. Eating disorders that develop post-trauma might reflect an attempt by the child to regain a sense of security.
Although disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are rare during childhood, they are more prevalent during adolescence. In many of these disorders, the underlying problem is traumatic experiences and difficulties in emotional regulation. Techniques such as EMDR, art therapy, and emotional awareness work are quite effective in trauma-based eating disorders. Collaborative work between a nutritionist, psychologist, and psychiatrist is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Symptoms of a Psychological Disorder?
Symptoms of a psychological disorder manifest as imbalances in an individual's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. These symptoms can affect daily life functionality.
Commonly observed symptoms include:
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Persistent anxiety or fear
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Insomnia or excessive sleep
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Lack of enjoyment in daily activities
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Withdrawal from social environments
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Concentration difficulties
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Thoughts of self-harm
If these symptoms persist for a long time or reduce the quality of life, support from a specialist should definitely be sought.
Are Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder the Same Thing?
Panic attacks and panic disorder are similar yet different conditions.
A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort that peaks quickly. It is accompanied by physical symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, and breathlessness.
Panic disorder involves recurring panic attacks along with severe anxiety about having another attack, which can negatively affect one's social and professional life.
Early psychiatric intervention can help gain control over this condition.
Are Social Phobia and Social Anxiety Disorder the Same?
Social phobia and social anxiety disorder indicate the same fundamental issue: the fear of being evaluated in a crowd.
A person experiences intense anxiety when speaking, eating, or presenting in front of others. This condition may come with physical symptoms: sweating, blushing, trembling hands.
Social anxiety disorder is the medical term for social phobia. If not treated, it adversely affects school, work, and social relationships.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication when necessary can yield positive results.
What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder that develops following a severe event (accident, assault, natural disaster, abuse, etc.).
The individual might feel as though they are reliving the trauma. Sleep disturbances, nightmares, sudden startling, anger outbursts, and hyper-vigilance may be observed.
A tendency to avoid places or people that remind them of the event is also common.
Posttraumatic stress disorder may not resolve on its own over time. Psychotherapy, especially trauma-focused techniques like EMDR, can be effective in this process.
How Are Eating Disorders Recognized?
Eating disorders are mental disorders characterized by severe disruptions in eating habits and body perception.
The most common types are:
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Anorexia nervosa: Extreme weight concerns, refusal to eat
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Bulimia nervosa: Binge eating followed by vomiting or excessive exercise
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Binge eating disorder: Uncontrolled eating followed by guilt
These disorders have serious effects on physical health as well. Especially in young age groups, the chance of treatment is quite high with early intervention.
Why Are Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviors Important?
Emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are fundamental components of human psychology. They are interconnected and when in balance, an individual can make healthier decisions, and manage their emotions.
A negative thought may lead to a negative emotion and consequently a negative behavior. When this loop is broken, psychological relief can be achieved.
In psychotherapy, work in these three areas helps an individual understand themselves, solve issues, and develop new skills.
Therefore, psychological support processes aim not only to reduce symptoms but also to enhance emotional resilience.