| Mental health conditions are common in all | | | | serious eating disorder, which can lead to |
| nations of the world. According to the | | | | grave health concerns, even death. Mental |
| National Institute for Mental Health, about | | | | conditions, such as these, need to be treated |
| 26 percent of Americans aged over 18 years | | | | by mental health care professionals who can |
| are diagnosed with a mental disorder every | | | | help young people to adjust to the |
| year. This equates to almost 60 million | | | | circumstances that have brought about their |
| people. The NIMH has also found that about 6 | | | | disorders. |
| percent of those, have been diagnosed with a | | | | |
| serious mental condition, many of which may | | | | Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a |
| suffer from two or more mental conditions. | | | | most severe mental health condition that is |
| Mental illness, has been found to be a major | | | | more likely to affect young boys. Sufferers |
| cause of disability amongst people, aged | | | | of ADHD need specialized professional care as |
| between 15 and 44 years in the US and Canada. | | | | well as added personal attention from their |
| | | | parents. A child suffering from ADHD will |
| Of course, mental conditions are not confined | | | | display little regard for authority and will |
| to the adult person, as people of all ages | | | | engage in a range of continuous physical |
| and genders can be affected by the disorder. | | | | activities much to the detriment of his |
| Many children and adolescents are diagnosed | | | | fellow students, teachers and parents. |
| with mental health problems, and special care | | | | Treatment, provided by a mental health care |
| is needed to treat them adequately. Mental | | | | professional, for this type of disorder, may |
| conditions that affect children are varied | | | | include some form of medication. |
| and may be of a temporary nature, however, | | | | |
| specialized treatment should be sought to | | | | Early diagnosis of mental health problems, is |
| help reduce the chances of the disorder | | | | essential for the successful treatment of the |
| becoming long term. NIMH reports indicate | | | | conditions, and the prevention of long term |
| that about 5 percent of children in North | | | | effects that may result in a lasting |
| America suffer from bouts of depression. This | | | | disability. |
| figure increases to around 8 percent for the | | | | |
| number of teenagers who are suffering from | | | | For further information, visit: |
| anxiety and depression. | | | | |
| | | | Oze Parrot is an author, publisher and |
| Many teenagers are also affected by eating | | | | Internet marketing consultant. |
| disorders, which can aggravate bouts of | | | | |
| depression and lead to other problems such | | | | Formerly a tourist operator and real estate |
| as, phobia, inhibition and learning | | | | business marketing consultant. |
| difficulties. Teenage girls who may be | | | | |
| suffering from anxiety or depression are | | | | Location: Queensland, Australia. |
| susceptible to anorexia nervosa, a very | | | | |