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