Mental Health Disorders Diagnose In Children Paper.

Three reasons why there has been an increase in the number of mental health disorders diagnose in Children aged 3 to 17. Mental Health Disorders Diagnose In Children Paper.
The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention argues that approximately 20 % of children in the country suffer from a mental disorder. Attention Deficient Hyperactive
Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder that is diagnosed for children aged 3
– 17 in the U.S (Levine, 2010). It is estimated that 6.8 percent of children were diagnosed with
deficit hyperactive disorder in 2011 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Other mental disorders that have been reported to affect children include behavioral conduct problems,
anxiety, and depression as well as autism spectrum disorders.

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Increased prevalence of mental disorders among children might be linked with previous under diagnosis of mental disorders among children. Mental Health Disorders Diagnose In Children Paper.
The most salient reasons for the rise of mental disorders epidemic among children
include adverse effects of psychotic medications; increase of pediatric bipolar disorder; and over
diagnosis of psychiatric illnesses. In relation to over diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, it can be
argued that the increase in mental disorders among children is because the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM) has continued to increase the number of disorders
that qualify as mental illness from the 106 listed disorders in 1952 to DSM – 4 that contained
365 diagnoses (Levine, 2013). With respect to adverse effects of psychotic medications, Levine
(2013) argues that the mental disorder epidemic among children aged 3 – 17 years is a result of
psychiatric medications that cause moderate or episodic behavioral and emotional problems to
become chronic, disabling and severe. When it comes to increase of pediatric bipolar disorder,
heightened cases of mental disorders among children happen when psychiatrists begun
prescribing antidepressants to children and adolescents (Levine, 2013).
Why boys are likely to be given a diagnosis of ADHD than girls.
Attention Deficient Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder among
children that begins during childhood. ADHD is classified as a neurobehavioral developmental
disorder by psychiatrists (Dunkin, 2014). An individual suffering from ADHD finds it
challenging to focus on one aspect without being distracted. This is to say, that an individual
with ADHD is more restless and impulsive. The likelihood of diagnosing boys with ADHD is
approximately three times higher than girls (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013).
The reason for this dramatic discrepancy could be because of boys suffering from ADHD are
likely to display hyperactive behaviors that are more noticeable at home and can be disruptive at
school (Dunkin, 2014). This makes it easy for the identification of the behavior among boys. On
the other hand, girls suffering from ADHD are likely to display symptoms that include lack of
organization and daydreaming – elements that are easily overlooked by parents and teachers. In
addition, some researchers argue that girls, unlike boys, tend to show the hyperactive traits of
ADHD less as compared to boys, which could contribute to obvious diagnosis of symptoms.
Children who experience ADHD are more likely to be forgetful, are easily distracted, misplace
or loose things, display academic underachievement, are disorganized, have poor attention and
concentration and poor follow through with tasks and assignments (Levine, 2010).
Why boys aged 12 – 17 are at a greater risk of dying by suicide than girls in the same age
group.
Suicide can be described as the intentional and voluntary taking of one’s own life.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens aged 12 – 17 after homicide and unintentional injury respectively (Child Trends Databank, 2012). In 2010, it was estimated that
40 % of teens committed suicide with the aid of firearms. Males aged 12 – 17 are almost four
times likely to commit suicide compared to females within the same age bracket. Mental
disorders including depression, bipolar disease and dysthymia are the primary risk factors for
suicide among teens. One research established that 90 % of teens who committed suicide
experienced some form of mental disorder (Child Trends Databank, 2012). Low degrees of
communication with parents and a stressful life are significant risk factors. Although female
adolescents are approximately likely to attempt suicide, male teens are likely to commit suicide. Mental Health Disorders Diagnose In Children Paper.
Male teenagers are likely to be overwhelmed by symptoms of mental disorders such as
depression, bipolar disease and dysthymia than girls leading to suicide.
Why girls are more likely to be depressed than boys are
Depression refers to severe dejection and despondency, typically felt over a certain
period and accompanied by feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness. Children who experience
depression may look sad, or in some instances, may display elements of constant irritability,
listless, tiredness or uninterested in favorites actions. At home, teenagers who experience
depression are likely to display traits such as persistent sadness, low mood, downcast expression;
sleep disturbances, appetite disturbance, increased irritability, increased physical complaints,
feelings of worthiness and suicide risk behaviors (Rattue, 2012). Teenage girls aged 12 – 17 are
more likely to be depressed compared to boys of the same age because of worrying about their
bodies. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2008 – 2010 report revealed that on
average about 1.4 million teenage girls suffer from episodes of depression, which is three times
higher than their male counterparts are. According to Oregon Research Institute psychologists
Peter Lewinsohn and Betty Merten worrying about their bodies is a primary reason why
adolescent girls receive emotional disturbance than boys. Dr. Lewinsohn argues that feeling of
being unattractive among girls is the key contributor why girls feel more depressed. Mental Health Disorders Diagnose In Children Paper.

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References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2013). “Children’s Mental Health – New Report”
Retrieved 17 June 2014 from: http://www.cdc.gov/features/childrensmentalhealth/
Child Trends Databank. (2012). “Teen homicide, suicide and firearm deaths.” Retrieved 17 June
2014 from: http://www.childtrends.org/?indicators=teen-homicide-suicide-and-firearm-
deaths
Dunkin, M. A. (2014). “ADHD Symptoms: How ADHD Differs in Boys & Girls” Retrieved 17
June 2014 from: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/features/adhd-
symptoms-in-girls-and-boys. Mental Health Disorders Diagnose In Children Paper.
Levine, B. (2013). “Why the Rise of Mental Illness? Pathologizing Normal, Adverse Drug
Effects, and a Peculiar Rebellion” Retrieved 17 June 2014 from:
http://www.madinamerica.com/2013/07/why-the-dramatic-rise-of-mental-illness-
diseasing-normal-behaviors-drug-adverse-effects-and-a-peculiar-rebellion/
Levine, B. (2010). “The Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America” Retrieved 17 June 2014
from: http://www.counterpunch.org/2010/04/28/the-astonishing-rise-of-mental-illness-in-
america/
Rattue G. (2012). “Adolescent Girls More Likely To Be Depressed Than Boys” Retrieved 17
June 2014 from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248382.php. Mental Health Disorders Diagnose In Children Paper.