The top ten most common psychological disorders among teenagers

The common psychological disorders among teenagers mainly include depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, social anxiety disorder, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia. These diseases may be caused by genetic factors, family environment, academic pressure, social distress, or physiological changes. It is recommended that parents and schools pay attention to the emotional and behavioral changes of adolescents and seek professional psychological assessment and intervention in a timely manner.

1. Depression

Depression is characterized by sustained low mood, decreased interest, and may be accompanied by sleep disturbances or changes in appetite. Some teenagers may develop a tendency towards self doubt, and in severe cases, they may have thoughts of suicide. Common triggers include long-term academic pressure, family conflicts, or social setbacks. Psychological therapy combined with medication intervention can effectively improve symptoms. Commonly used drugs include fluoxetine, sertraline, etc., but must be strictly used according to medical advice.

2. Anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry and physical discomfort, which may result in physiological reactions such as palpitations and hand tremors. Exam anxiety and separation anxiety are more common among adolescents. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help identify erroneous cognitive patterns, and relaxation training can alleviate acute attacks. Benzodiazepines are suitable for short-term symptom control, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are recommended for long-term treatment.

3. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is characterized by repeated compulsive thoughts or behaviors, such as excessive cleaning, checking, etc. Teenagers may repeat certain actions due to fear of making mistakes. The onset of the disease is related to the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, and exposure and response prevention therapy is the main intervention method. Drug therapy often uses clomipramine or fluvoxamine, and requires guidance from a professional psychotherapist.

4. ADHD

The core symptoms of ADHD include attention deficit, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which may affect academic performance and interpersonal relationships. Neurodevelopmental abnormalities are the main cause, and behavior correction training can improve executive function. Central nervous system stimulants such as methylphenidate can regulate dopamine levels, and growth and development should be regularly evaluated during medication.

5. Social anxiety disorder

Patients with social anxiety disorder may experience strong fear of social situations, such as blushing and trembling. Increased social needs during adolescence may exacerbate symptoms. Systematic desensitization therapy can gradually reduce sensitivity, while group psychotherapy provides a safe practice environment. Medications such as paroxetine can alleviate physiological anxiety reactions.

6. Eating disorders

Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder, often accompanied by cognitive distortions of body images. Physical changes during adolescence may trigger diseases, and family therapy can help improve dietary behavior. Nutritional rehabilitation needs to be gradual, and hospitalization is required for severe malnutrition. Fluoxetine and other drugs can assist in regulating emotional eating.

7. Bipolar affective disorder

Bipolar affective disorder is characterized by emotional fluctuations between depression and mania, and adolescent patients are easily misdiagnosed as simple depression. Emotion stabilizers are the basic treatment, and lithium salts and sodium valproate need to be regularly monitored for blood drug concentrations. Psychological education helps patients identify prodromal symptoms and establish regular sleep patterns to stabilize their emotions.

8. Post traumatic stress disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder occurs after experiencing a major traumatic event and may present with symptoms such as flashbacks and nightmares. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy have significant effects on traumatic memory processing. Prazosin can improve sleep disorders and antidepressants alleviate accompanying symptoms of depression and anxiety. The reconstruction of a safe environment is crucial for rehabilitation.

9. Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by social communication disorders and stereotyped behavior, most of which manifest in childhood. Behavioral analysis therapy can enhance social skills and sensory integration training can improve perceptual abnormalities. Medications such as risperidone are only used to control serious behavioral problems, and core symptoms still require educational intervention.

10. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia may present with symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions during adolescence, and early intervention is crucial for prognosis. Antipsychotic drugs such as olanzapine can alleviate positive symptoms, and social skills training helps with functional recovery. Family support can reduce the probability of recurrence, but caution should be taken against the metabolic side effects caused by medication. Preventing adolescent mental illness requires collaboration among families, schools, and medical institutions. Parents should maintain an open communication attitude and pay attention to signals of abnormal emotional behavior; Schools can offer mental health courses and establish mechanisms for psychological crisis intervention; Medical institutions need to provide early screening and referral services. The cultivation of healthy psychological habits such as regular sleep, moderate exercise, and balanced diet is equally important. When there are psychological abnormalities that persist for more than two weeks, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation at a psychiatric department.