A Guide to Childhood Mental Health Disorders

Fact for the day: Did you know that according to a study conducted by “The National Library of Medicine”  23.3 % of children and adolescents suffer from various kinds of mental health disorders? As I dove deeper into the topic of child psychology, I realized just how much more there is to learn. Although I studied about developmental disorders extensively during my third year of undergrad, I wasn’t fully taking it in from the foundational texts like the DSM-5 and ICD-11, which are equivalent to a bible to every psychology major. 

In the APA dictionary terms “Child Psychology” is primarily more concerned about the behaviour, adjustment and growth of the individual from their infancy stage (i.e. their birth) to their adolescence stage. Childhood mental health disorders are conditions that affect a child's emotions, thoughts, and behaviour, making it difficult for them to cope with everyday challenges,  along with slowing down in reaching developmental milestones (such as walking, crawling). 

Significant life events can impact a child's development in various ways. Several factors may contribute to the onset (i.e. start) of mental health disorders. Some of the most common causes observed in early stages include:

- Maternal drug or alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

- Genetic factors; if one or both parents have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, there is a higher likelihood of the child experiencing the same or different mental health issues.

- Poverty or social disadvantages can significantly affect a child's living conditions, including hygiene and the social environment.

- Accidents or brain injuries.

- Premature birth.

As adults facing mental distress, we often seek help. However, when children encounter similar issues, their less developed brains may prevent them from recognizing or communicating their struggles. Understanding basic psychological disorders can be incredibly beneficial in these situations. With that in mind, I've compiled a list of key childhood mental health disorders that everyone should be aware of, either for future reference or to enhance their knowledge.

1. Intellectual Disability

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) defines ID (i.e. intellectual disability) as having deficits/difficulties in the conceptual, social and practical domains of their life. 

Criteria for the same are:

• Difficulty in intellectual functioning includes problem-solving, reasoning, judgment, and thinking among others.
  

•  Difficulty in adaptive functioning can include meeting the developmental criteria. (For example-  difficulties in communicating with their peers, or inability in participating in school activities). 
  

• These deficits should have an onset period during the developmental period, (it can occur between 0-18 years of age).

  ID can also be divided into 4-levels:

  • Mild.

  • Moderate.

  • Severe.

  • Profound.
    

2. Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Autism spectrum disorder (also known as ASD) is diagnosed in kids when they have deficits in communicating with others, along with restricted patterns or repetitive patterns of behaviours. 

The criteria according to the DSM-5 for ASD is:

• Continuous difficulties in socialising with others across all kinds of contexts. Such as slower reply to others, or unable to maintain eye contact or shy away from maintaining relationships etc.

• Symptoms must be present during the age of (18-24 months), and can be diagnosed at the age of 3 years. 

• Symptoms must cause clear clinical impairment in social, occupational and other forms of environment for the individual.

3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
This is by far one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders that is prominent in children. The accurate definition of ADHD persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. 

Criteria according to the DSM-5:

• Inattention - This should negatively impact the kid’s academic performance along with their academic activities.

• Some symptoms can include:

• Fails to follow any kind of instructions to do their schoolwork.

• Has difficulty in maintaining attention during any kind of activity.

• Frequently distracted by the external stimuli. 
  

• Hyperactivity  & Impulsivity - The symptoms should be persistent for about 6-months of time period. Along with that should also cause deficits in their developmental periods, impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities. 

• Some of the symptoms for this may look like:

• Continuous fidgeting with the hands while sitting. 

• Is an “often on the go” act. 

• Often is seen to be interrupting others mid-conversations with others.

• Often not able to engage in leisure activities.

4. Tic Disorder 

This was fairly a new mental health disorder that I was introduced to during one of my clinical internship experiences. According to the DSM-5 “A tic is a repetitive, sudden either physical movement in the body or any repetitive vocalization". Tic disorders can also be divided into 3-types:

1. Tourette’s disorder:

• Both motor and vocal tics must be present (not at the same time though). 

• It should mostly appear before the age of 18. 

• Should be present for about 1-year. 

2. Persistent (continuous) Tic disorder:

• Single/multiple motor tics (such as head jerks, rapid eye movements)  and vocal tics (repeated words, coughing, throat clearing)  must be present. 

• It should mostly appear before the age of 18. 

• Should be present for more than 1-year (one major difference between this tourette disorder).

• Should meet the diagnostic criteria of Tourette’s disorder.
  

  3. Provisional tic disorder: 

• Single/multiple motor and vocal tics must be present. 

• These tics should have been there for less than 1 year (the other 2, needed to have 1 and more than 1 year) .

• Criteria have never been met for Tourette’s disorder or persistent (chronic) disorder.

• Should appear before the age of 18. 

Experiencing mental health challenges can be incredibly difficult for children and their families. To help ensure a better outcome or even prevent these issues from arising, it is essential for parents, teachers, and caregivers to create a safe and secure environment for the child.

It's important to remember that childhood traumas can leave deep emotional scars. If you are a current or future parent and notice any signs of distress in your child, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. There are many qualified mental health professionals available who can assist you in creating a safer space for your child. Until the next blog post, have a wonderful day you lovely human bean !