Remedy Psychiatric Services, A Nursing Corporation

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Teen Psychiatry

What it is?

The diagnosis and the treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and/or behavior affecting children, adolescents, and their families.

Why is it important?

Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits important for mental well-being. These include adopting healthy sleep patterns and exercising regularly. Additionally, coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, and learning to manage emotions are necessary. Protective and supportive environments in the family, at school, and in the wider community are also important.

Multiple risk factors like exposure to adversity, peer pressure, and exploration of identity can impact the mental health of adolescents. Gender norms and media influence can widen the gap between their reality and aspirations. The quality of home life and peer relationships is crucial. Violence, especially sexual violence and bullying, harsh parenting, and socioeconomic problems are also risk factors for teen mental health.

Adolescents living in difficult conditions, experiencing discrimination, lacking quality support and services, and those with chronic illness, autism, or other neurological conditions, are at higher risk of mental health problems. This includes pregnant adolescents, adolescent parents, orphans, and adolescents from minority ethnic or discriminated groups. Mental health services are available.

Conditions We Treat

Common Disorders

Emotional Disorders

It's common to experience emotional disorders, with teen anxiety disorders being the most widespread amongst them. Panic attacks and excessive worrying are part of this disorder, and it's more common among older adolescents compared to younger ones. Studies suggest that about 3.6% of 10-14-year-olds and 4.6% of 15-19-year-olds experience anxiety disorders, while depression affects 1.1% of 10-14-year-olds and 2.8% of 15-19-year-olds. Since depression and anxiety share similar symptoms, such as sudden changes in mood, they can have a significant impact on school attendance and performance. The social withdrawal that comes with these disorders can intensify feelings of isolation and loneliness. Teen depression can lead to suicide.

Behavioral Disorder

As per recent studies, behavioral disorders are more common in younger adolescents than their older counterparts. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is characterized by difficulty paying attention, excessive activity, and impulsivity, is prevalent among 3.1% of 10-14-year-olds and 2.4% of 15-19-year-olds (1). Conduct disorder, which involves symptoms of destructive or challenging behavior, is prevalent among 3.6% of 10-14-year-olds and 2.4% of 15-19-year-olds (1). These disorders can negatively impact an adolescent's education, and conduct disorder could lead to criminal behavior.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, often arise during adolescence and young adulthood. They are characterized by atypical eating habits and an excessive focus on food, frequently accompanied by concerns about body weight and shape. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder and can lead to premature death, commonly as a result of medical complications or suicide.

Risk Taking Behaviors

Many risk-taking behaviors for health, such as substance use or sexual risk-taking, start during adolescence. Risk-taking behaviors can be an unhelpful strategy to cope with emotional difficulties and can severely impact teen mental health and physical well-being.

In 2016, the rate of heavy episodic drinking among adolescents aged 15-19 was 13.6%, with males being at the highest risk.

Tobacco and cannabis use are also concerns, as many adult smokers started before the age of 18. Additionally, cannabis is the most commonly used drug among young people, with roughly 4.7% of 15-16-year-olds using it at least once in 2018.

Engaging in violent behavior can drastically increase the likelihood of low educational attainment, injury, involvement with crime, or even death. In 2019, interpersonal violence was among the leading causes of death for older adolescent boys.

Suicide and Self Harm

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in older adolescents, age 15–19 years. Risk factors for suicide are complex and varied, and include harmful use of alcohol, abuse in childhood, stigma against help-seeking, barriers to accessing care and access to means of suicide. Digital media, like any other media, can play a significant role in either enhancing or weakening suicide prevention efforts.