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Signs and symptoms

ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS 

Mental illnesses include such disorders as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic and other severe anxiety disorders, autism and pervasive developmental disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, borderline personality disorder, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses that affect the brain. These disorders can profoundly disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, moods, ability to relate to others and capacity for coping with the demands of life.

Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor up bringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people with serious mental illness need medication to help control symptoms, but also rely on supportive counseling, self-help groups, assistance with housing, vocational rehabilitation, income assistance and other community services in order to achieve their highest level of recovery. Here are some important facts about mental illness and recovery.

• Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders.  They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence.
• Mental disorders fall along a continuum of severity. The most serious and disabling conditions affect five to ten million adults (2.6 – 5.4%) and three to five million children ages five to seventeen (5 – 9%) in the United States. 
• Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability (lost years of productive life) in the North America, Europeand, increasingly, in the world. By 2020, Major Depressive illness will be the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children.  
• Mental illnesses strike individuals in the prime of their lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are susceptible, but the young and the old are especially vulnerable.
• Without treatment the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are staggering: unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide and wasted lives; The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than 100 billion dollars each year in the United States.
• The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective; between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments and supports;
• Early identification and treatment is of vital importance; By getting people the treatment they need early, recovery is accelerated and the brain is protected from further harm related to the course of illness.                                     

Depresion

Clinical depression goes beyond sadness. It’s more than having a “blue day” or coping with a major loss such as the death of a parent, grandparent or even a favorite pet. It’s also not personal weakness, a character flaw or the result of bad parenting. Children and teens suffering from depression can’t just “snap out of it.”

Depression is a physical brain disorder (mental illness) that affects the whole person: the way one feels, thinks and acts. Depression in children can lead to school failure, alcohol or other drug use, and even suicide. However, it is highly treatable.

Until recently, it was believed that children did not experience depression. We now know that even infants can suffer from depression. Depression can make a child’s life miserable, impair normal development, and even result in death in children who may become suicidal. While many factors can trigger depression, such as a stressful or traumatic event or an inherited vulnerability, researchers now believe that all depression can be linked to biochemical changes in the brain.

Why is depression a concern to parents and educators?

More children die from depression-related suicide than from any other childhood disorder. Children with untreated depression are at a high risk for substance abuse. Eighty percent of depressed children go undiagnosed and untreated. However, treatment for depression has an 80 percent success rate, higher than heart disease or diabetes. Depression can occur at any time across the lifespan, but it has a higher occurrence during adolescence. Early intervention is a key to effective treatment and prevention of long-term problems. The symptoms of depression are recognizable and treatable.

What are the signs of depression in children and teens?

• Persistent sadness and hopelessness

• Withdrawal from friends and from activities once enjoyed

• Increased irritability or agitation

• Missed school or poor school performance

• Changes in eating and sleeping habits

• Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness

• Poor self-esteem or guilt

• Frequent physical complaints such as headaches and stomach aches

• Lack of enthusiasm, low energy or low motivation

• Drug and/or alcohol abuse

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Are there any factors that place a child at higher risk for depression?

A family history of depression, suicide or other major mental illnesses is an increased risk factor, as are stressful life events. Child abuse or witnessing child abuse, inconsistent or unstable parenting, substance abuse, chronic illnesses in the child or family, problems with parents, poor social skills or unpopularity, or a mix of all these factors, also can place a child at higher risk.

What can parents or teachers do?

if parents or another adult in a youth’s life suspect a problem with depression they should:

• Be aware of the behaviors that concern them and note how long they last, how often they occur and how severe they seem

• See a mental health professional or the child’s doctor for evaluation and diagnosis

• Get accurate information from libraries, help lines and other sources

• Ask questions about treatments and services

• Talk to other family members with similar problems

• Find a family support group such as NAMI-Idaho’s Family to Family Program.

What are the facts about depression?

• As many as one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents may have depression (U.S. Center for Mental Health Services, 1996)

• Once a young person has experienced a major depression, he or she is at risk of developing another depression within the next five years (U.S. Center for Mental Health Services, 1996)

• Two-thirds of children with mental health problems do not get the help they need (U.S. Center for Mental Health Services, 1996)

• A recent study ked by Dr. Graham Emslie of the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, concludes that treatment for major depression is as effective for children as it is for adults (American Medical Association, Archives of General Psychiatry, November 15, 1997)

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds (about 5,000 young people per year) and the sixth leading cause of death for 5 to 15 year olds. The rate of suicide for 5 to 24 year olds has nearly tripled since 1960 (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 1995)

Do other disorders or behaviors occur at the same time as depression in youth?

Depression occurs in children at about the same rate as adults, about 3 percent. However, some researchers estimate that the occurrence rate among prepubescent and adolescent children may be as high as 8 percent. Other behavioral and emotional disorders in children share some of the same characteristics as depression, or can occur with depression. As with depression, symptoms of these disorders deserve careful attention. They require intervention when they occur so frequently or so severely that they interfere with the child’s ability to function at school and home.

Some of the other disorders that may occur with depression include: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or eating disorders.

What else do I need to know?

• Children under stress who experience a loss or who have attention, learning or conduct disorders are at a higher risk for depression (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 1995)

• Almost one-third of 6- to 12-year-olds diagnosed with major depression will develop bipolar disorder within a few years (American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 1995)

• Four out of every five runaway youths suffer from depression (U.S. Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families)

• Clinical depression can contribute to eating disorders. On the other hand, an eating disorder also can lead to a state of clinical depression (Stellefson, Medical University of South Carolina, 1998)

Where should parents and teachers seek help?

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for children with depression. Children who exhibit symptoms of depression should be referred to and evaluated by a physician. An evaluation may include psychological testing, lab tests and consultation with a psychiatrist. A comprehensive treatment plan may include psychotherapy, ongoing evaluations and monitoring, or psychiatric medication. The plan should be prepared in cooperation with the parents and, whenever possible, involvement of the child or adolescent.

Source: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

Anxiety Disorders

Most people feel anxious before an important event such as a big exam. Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that fill people’s lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear that are chronic, unremitting and can grow worse over time. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. More than 19 million Americans are affected by this group of disorders. Anxiety disorders cost the United States $46.6 billion in 1990, nearly one-third of the nation’s total mental health bill of $148 billion.

What are the different kinds of anxiety disorders?

• Panic disorder involves repeated episodes of intense fear that can strike without warning. Physical symptoms can include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal distress, feelings of unreality or feelings of dying.

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder involves persistent symptoms that occur after experiencing a traumatic event, such as child abuse or natural disaster. Nightmares, flashbacks or numbing of emotions can be symptoms.

• Phobias are divided into two major types: social phobia and specific phobia. Social phobia involves an overwhelming a disabling fear of scrutiny, embarrassment or humiliation in social situations. Specific phobias involve extreme, disabling and irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves constant, exaggerated worrisome thoughts and tension about everyday routine life activities and events.

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (described below)

What are treatments for these disorders?

Medications are available to effectively treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, often in combination with medications, also is used to treat anxiety disorders. Consult your child’s physician about the treatment that is right for your child.

Do anxiety disorders exist with other physical or mental disorders?

It’s common for an anxiety disorder to accompany depression, eating disorders, substance abuse or another anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders also can exist with physical disorders. If there is a physical disorder too, that will need to be treated by your child’s physician. Before beginning any treatment, it is important to have a thorough physical exam to rule out other possible causes of symptoms.

For more information, contact the National Institute of Mental Health website at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by involuntary thoughts, ideas, urges, impulses or worries that run through a child’s mind repeatedly. Compulsions are purposeless repetitive behaviors.

OCD affects about 1 million children and adolescents in the United States. This can mean three to five youngsters with OCD per average-sized elementary school and about 20 teenagers in a large high school. It is as prevalent or more prevalent than other disorders such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is the most common psychiatric illness among children in the United States with just over 1 million children affected. In comparison, about 100,000 children 19 or younger are diagnosed with diabetes.

What are the most common obsessions in children?

• Fear of contamination/serious illness

• Fixation on lucky/unlucky numbers

• Fear of danger to self and others

• Need for symmetry or exactness

• Excessive doubt.

What are the most common compulsions in children?

• Cleaning/washing

• Touching

• Counting/repeating

• Arguing/organizing

• Checking/questioning

• Hoarding

How is OCD experienced by children and teens?

OCD affects children and adolescents during a very important period of social development. Schoolwork, home life and friendships are often affected. Some children with OCD are too young to realize that their thoughts and actions are unusual. They may not understand or be unable to explain why they must go through their rituals. Older children may feel embarrassed – they don’t want to be “different” from their peers and worry about their uncontrollable behavior. Fearing ridicule, children may hide their rituals.

How does a child with OCD affect families?

Parents often feel bewildered by their child’s odd behavior and may feel they are “just going through a phase.” There may be periods of frustration and anger for parents. Tensions may rise especially within the normal dynamics of a parent-teen relationship. Parents may feel guilty. However, OCD is not caused by bad parenting. Other children in the family may feel neglected while parents focus on helping the child with OCD, while the siblings also may be subject to teasing by friends who do not understand OCD.

At what age can OCD affect children?

The onset of OCD symptoms may occur as early as age 3 or 4, but very young children and parents may not recognize the symptoms.

How is a child or adolescent diagnosed?

A pediatrician, teacher, principal, school nurse or guidance counselor can refer parents to a child psychiatrist who will review the child’s behavior with the child, parents, siblings and possibly a teacher. A specially designed interview is used to diagnose OCD.

How dies OCD affect a child’s schoolwork?

At school, children with severe OCD may repeatedly check, erase, re-do their assignments, which can result in late or incomplete schoolwork. Classroom concentration and participation may be limited by fears or rituals.

Should parents tell teachers their child has OCD?

Yes. Teachers can be very helpful in supporting a child’s treatment. Parents may share information about their child’s medications with teachers and provide occasional progress reports. Even if the child’s OCD is not active in school, teachers should be informed that treatment for OCD can improve the child’s ability to learn.

How is OCD treated among children and teens?

Standard treatment includes medication, behavior therapy or a combination of the two. Drugs recommended for OCD adjust the chemical balance in the brain. A physician can recommend the best medication for a child.

For more information on OCD, contact:

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, 9 Depot St., Milford, CT 06460, http://pages.prodigy.com/alwillen/OCF.html

National OCD Information Hotline, 1-800-NEWS-4-OCD (800-639-7462)

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 3615 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20016, http://www.aacap.org

OCD Resource Center, http://www.ocd_resource.com

Source: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder in children. It is characterized by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is estimated to affect between 5 percent and 15 percent of school-age children. Although children and adolescents with ADHD may not perform well in school, the disorder does not signal a lack of intelligence.

ADHD is not easily diagnosable and is often mistaken for or found occurring with other disorders. These include learning disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety or mood disorders, language and communications disorders, Tourette’s syndrome or chronic tic disorder and various developmental disorders.

What are symptoms of ADHD?

There are three types of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder:

• Inattentive

• Hyperactive/impulsive

• Combined

Symptoms of inattention:

• Often making careless mistakes

• Difficulty paying attention

• Not listening

• Failing to complete tasks

• Difficulty organizing

• Avoiding tasks that require sustained effort

• Losing things

• Being easily distracted

• Forgetting

Symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity:

• Fidgeting

• Inability to stay seated

• Excessive movement

• Difficulty playing quietly

• Being constantly “on the go”

• Excessively talking

• Blurting out answers

• Difficulty taking turns

• Interrupting/intruding on others

A diagnosis is made when a child has at least six symptoms from either list, with some symptoms having started before age 7. Clear impairment in at least two settings, such as home and school, must also exist. Children who have six or more symptoms from both lists have the combined type of ADHD, the most common in elementary age boys. The inattentive type (sometimes called attention-deficit disorder (ADD) is found more often in girls and adolescents.

What causes ADHD?

Much new research suggests that ADHD is hereditary. However, environmental factors such as viruses, harmful chemicals, alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy or problems in delivery are also considered in some studies.

What is the treatment for ADHD?

Both medication and behavioral therapy have proven effective in treating children and teens with ADHD. Stimulants are the most widely used. These drugs increase activity in parts of the brain that are under active in youth with ADHD. Medication has proven effective in the short-term treatment of more than 67 percent of individuals with ADHD. Every child reacts to treatment differently, so it is important for a parent to communicate openly with the child’s doctor.

In addition to medication, behavioral therapy also works by rewarding positive behavior changes and communicating clear expectations. It’s important for parents and educators to remain understanding. Paying close attention to a child’s progress, adapting the classroom to accommodate his or her needs, and using positive reinforcers also are essential.

Source: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

Bipolar Disorder

Also called Manic Depression, Bipolar Disorder is a physical disorder of the brain. It involves mood swings with depression alternating with periods of mania. These cycles vary by individual. Some have wide swings while others experience lesser degrees of mania or depression. Some may have occasional episodes while some can experience mood swings by the day or even hour.

How common is bipolar disorder?

Recent findings of a study supported by the National Institute of Mental Health indicate that the illness is at least as common among youth as among adults. In this study, 1 percent of adolescents ages 14 to 18 were found to meet the criteria for bipolar disorder or cyclothymia (characterized by less severe mood swings) in their lifetime. Close to 6 percent of adolescents in the study had experienced a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive or irritable mood even though they never met full criteria for bipolar disorder or cyclothymia.

When does bipolar disorder start?

Both children and adolescents can develop bipolar disorders. It can begin in adolescence or early adulthood and continue through life. A major life event may trigger an individual’s first episode of the illness. In its early stages, bipolar disorder may masquerade as a problem other than a brain disorder, such as alcohol or drug abuse or poor functioning at work or school. If it is untreated, the disorder tends to get worse, and the symptoms become more pronounced. It is a chronic condition, much like diabetes, and requires ongoing medical treatment.

What causes bipolar disorder?

No one knows for certain, but recent research points to a biological basis for the illness. Specifically, researchers now believe bipolar disorder results from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Researchers also are continuing to explore the genetic link to the illness. Manic depression tends to run in families, however heredity is not always apparent in people with the disorder. Some researchers now believe that bipolar disorder in youth may be different, possibly more severe form of the illness than older adolescent- or adult-onset bipolar disorder (National Institute of Mental Health). When the illness begins before or soon after puberty, it is often characterized by a continuous rapid-cycling, irritable and mixed symptom state that may co-occur with disruptive behavior disorders, particularly Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or conduct disorder. It may have the features of ADHD or conduct disorder at the beginning.

What are symptoms?

Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents has been difficult to recognize and diagnose because it does not fit precisely the symptom criteria established for adults. Its symptoms also can resemble or co-occur with ADHD and conduct disorder. Symptoms of bipolar disorder also may be mistaken for normal emotions and behaviors of children and adolescents. But unlike normal mood changes, bipolar disorder significantly impairs functioning in school, with friends and at home with the family (National Institute of Mental Health.

Generally, people with manic depression experience mood swings that alternate from severe highs to pronounced lows.

• Mania: In adolescents the euphoria common among adults can be replaced with agitation and anger. Other symptoms of mania include hyperactivity, explosive anger, impaired judgment, increased spending, aggressive behavior, grandiose notions and often delusions or faulty thoughts. There is little need for sleep. Initially people with bipolar disorder may feel on top of things, but as the mood swing intensifies they tend to lose control, become disorganized and highly irritable.

• Depression: Symptoms of bipolar depression are similar to those for clinical depression. They are:

• Persistent sadness and hopelessness

• Withdrawal from friends and from activities once enjoyed

• Increased irritability or agitation

• Missed school or poor school performance

• Changes in eating and sleeping habits

• Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness

• Poor self-esteem or guilt

• Frequent physical complaints such as headaches and stomach aches

• Lack of enthusiasm, low energy or low motivation

• Drug and/or alcohol abuse

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Not everyone with bipolar disorder experiences periods of mania and depression with the same intensity. Bipolar disorder also can be difficult to diagnose. If a person seeks treatment during a depressed phase, he or she may be prescribed medications to treat clinical depression, and this can prompt a manic episode. Alternately, people in a manic episode rarely want treatment because they do not recognize their symptoms. Be aware of your child’s history and pattern of mood swings. This can help greatly in the diagnosis.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Through a combination of medical treatment, medications and psychotherapy.  The parents and, ideally, the child should be a part of the overall treatment plan and participate in decisions about medication adjustments. Changes in medications or dosages may be necessary and treatment plans may change during different stages of the child’s life. Do not become discouraged. Sometimes several types of medications must be tried before the right one is found with the best results for your child.

How successful is treatment?

After accurate diagnosis, people with manic depression can be successfully treated with medication in 80 percent to 90 percent of all cases. Early treatment may help keep the illness from becoming more severe.

Will my child have this for his/her whole life?

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it can be controlled. Almost all people with bipolar disorder can obtain substantial relief from their symptoms with proper therapy. With proper treatment, people with bipolar disorder can lead reasonably stable and satisfying lives. Without proper treatment, many people experience repeated episodes of the illness that worsen over time.

How can my child and my family cope?

Everyone learns to cope differently, but accepting the diagnosis is the first essential step for both the parents and the youth. Proper diagnosis and treatment will help the child and family as will knowledge about the disorder. Families can seek the help of a support group, family members or an understanding clergyman. NAMI-Idaho offers the Family to Family Program to support parents in coping their child’s disorder. The child will, over time, learn about the disorder, identify stressors and how to manage them, maintain a regular schedule of activity and sleep, eat a health diet, get plenty of exercise and learn to identify the warning signs of a mood swing.

For more information, contact:

• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, http://.nami.org

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, http://aacap.org

• National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association, 1-800-826-3632

• National Institute of Mental Health, Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health – Communities Together campaign, http://www.mentalhealth.org

• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare http://idahohealth.org

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions that tend to be chronic. They usually arise in adolescence and disproportionately affect girls. About 3 percent of young women have one of the three main eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder.

• Anorexia nervosa is characterized by low body weight, intense fear of weight gain and an inaccurate perception of body weight or shape.

• Bulimia nervosa is marked by binge eating and by activities such as vomiting or laxative abuse.

• Binge eating disorder is a newly recognized condition featuring episodic uncontrolled consumption without the vomiting or laxative abuse of bulimia.

Overeating related to tension, poor nutritional habits and food fads are relatively common eating problems for youth. In addition, anorexia nervosa and bulimia are on the increase among teenage girls and young women and often run in families.

What are the symptoms and warning signs?A teenager with anorexia nervosa is typically a perfectionist and high achiever in school. At the same time, she suffers from low self-esteem, irrationally believing she is fat regardless of how thin she becomes. Desperately needing a feeling of mastery over her life, the teenager with anorexia nervosa experiences a sense of control only when she says “no” to the normal food demands of her body. In a relentless pursuit to be thin, the girl starves herself. This often reaches the point of serious damage to the body, and in a small number of cases, may lead to death.

The symptoms of bulimia are usually different from those of anorexia nervosa. The adolescent binges on huge quantities of high-caloric food and/or purges her body of dreaded calories by self-induced vomiting and often by using laxatives. These binges may alternate with severe diets, resulting in a dramatic weight fluctuation. Teenagers may try to hide the symptom of throwing up by running water while spending long periods of time in the bathroom. Purging of bulimia presents a serious threat to the child’s physical health, including dehydration, hormonal imbalance, depletion of important miners and damage to vital organs.

What causes eating disorders?

The exact cause is unknown although some researchers believe the cause is a combination of genetic, brain chemicals, psychological and sociological factors.

Are there other disorders that accompany an eating disorder?

Yes. They include affective disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse and personality disorders.

How serious is an eating disorder?

Anorexia nervosa has the most severe consequence, with a mortality rate of .56 percent per year, a rate higher than that of almost all other mental disorders. Mortality is from starvation, suicide, and electrolyte imbalance. The mortality rate for anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than that for other young women in the population of the United States.

How common are eating disorders?

In the United States, as many as 10 in 100 young women suffer from an eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia also occur in boys, but much less often.

What kind of treatment is available?

Both medications and psychotherapy are recommended. Treatment of the other mental disorders that can accompany an eating disorder also is essential as is the treatment of medical complications. Studies involving adolescents are rare for any eating disorder. Pharmacological studies in young adult women found conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of antidepressants. Studies mostly of adult women have found that some types of therapy are effective for bulimia and binge-eating disorder.  A team approach is most effective, where parents, medical professionals, a therapist and psychiatrist are all involved. Parents who notice these symptoms in their child should contact their family physician or pediatrician for a referral to a psychiatrist familiar with eating disorders. Research shows that early identification and treatment lead to more favorable outcomes for the teen.

Sources: Mental Health – A Report of the Surgeon General; American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling brain disease. About 1 percent of the population of the United States develops schizophrenia during their lifetime. Schizophrenia affects males as often as females. But it affects men earlier, often in the late teens or early twenties. For women, the signs usually develop in the twenties to early thirties. People with schizophrenia often suffer from hearing internal voices (hallucinations) or believing that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts or plotting against them (delusions). Schizophrenia is NOT multiple personality or split personality disorder despite its portrayal in the popular media. Schizophrenia affects a person’s ability to “think straight”. Thoughts may come and go rapidly and the person may not be able to concentrate on one thought for very long. People with schizophrenia may not be able to sort out what is relevant and what is not relevant to a situation. One in 10 people with schizophrenia commit suicide. People with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of violence and crime than to commit violent acts themselves. People with schizophrenia have an increased risk of violent behavior only when untreated or when engaging in substance abuse.

What is the cause?

Many years of family studies indicate that vulnerability to schizophrenia is inherited. Scientists also conclude that some environment influence, perhaps occurring during fetal development, also may be a cause. Advances in science have shown that some people with schizophrenia have abnormalities in brain structure.

What do I do if my adolescent exhibits symptoms of schizophrenia?

Contact your family physician for a referral to a psychiatrist. Family support for your adolescent is critical. What may have looked like a very promising future for a teen will suddenly seem hopelessly bleak. When parents are supportive, the outcomes are more positive for the child.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Suicide

Since the early 1960s, the reported suicide rate among 15- to 19-year-old males increased threefold, but remained stable among females in that age group. Among 10- to 14-year-olds, the suicide rate is 1.6 children per 100,000 population. In Idaho in 1998, 33 youth ages 12 to 24 committed suicide. Mood disorders, such as depression, increase the risk of suicide among teens. Suicidal behavior is a matter of serious concern for parents, educators and clinicians who deal with the mental health problems of children and adolescents. The evidence is strong that over 90 percent of children and adolescents who commit suicide have a mental disorder.

What should I do if I think my child is suicidal?

Get help immediately. Call 911 or contact your physician on a 24-hour phone service. Do not wait. These symptoms are not going to “go away” and your child cannot “snap out of it.”

Should I talk about suicide to my depressed teen?

Yes. Popular myth says that talking about suicide will prompt someone to attempt. This is not true. Your discussion probably will not bring up anything the child hasn’t already thought. Remember, do not handle this on your own, and get help immediately.

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