Introduction
To understand the psychological issues comprehensively experienced by children and adolescents, the approach should exhibit the differences or nuances between understanding the disorders adults suffer. This paper desires to unleash how the perspective portrayed by researchers in “Abnormal Psychology” by Butcher, Mineka, and Hooley (2017) contrasts. Particularly, this paper will dig into childhood and adult psychological disorders as well as examine the different types and severity of these disorders in children. The paper will also identify and describe three leading childhood and adolescent disorders, mention approved medication-based treatments for these disorders, and highlight the centers in Jamaica that treat children with such disorders.
Understanding Psychological Disorders in Children and Adolescents
The psychology of mental disorders in children and adolescents differs from the adults’ case because of such factors as their stages of development, the expression of symptoms, and the effect of their environments. However, while kids and teens often experience high levels of impairment as well, the process of their psychological disorder development and manifestation significantly differs from other age groups since it is primarily based on cognitive, emotional, and social development, which has a very strong influence on how the disorder manifests. Nevertheless, the manifestation of psychological disorders in children and young people might overlap, and therefore, reflection on diagnosis and intervention is very complex. In addition, apart from the environmental factors such as f, family situations, peer friendships, and academic environment, they are strongly involved in the underlying causes and continuous development of psychological issues in this group of clients.
Disorders in Childhood and Teenage Age Max
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
The name Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder is the diagnosis that is most frequently given to kids and teens. It is stated by the presence of symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which are just too severe to be compensated with direct functioning in academic, social, and family domains. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) could make focusing, following orders, and keeping an acceptable behavior that fits in different situations a challenge for young individuals. Students with ADHD in their teens may encounter more problems, such as failure in school, involvement in alcohol and drug abuse, and adaptation to the new world.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder is an example of a neurodevelopmental disorder that can be identified by the deficiencies in communication and interaction that are primarily social as well as the restricted and repetitive occurrence and behavior, interests, or activities. Children and youth with ASD may present challenges of missing nonverbal social communication, not creating connections with peers, and not playing in a pretend mode. They will also display repetitive movements like fidgeting, hand flapping, and rocking. Sometimes, they are interested in a particular topic obsessively. ASD has a certain range of degrees of impairment, in which people may exhibit varying levels of social interaction and communication trouble.
Anxiety Disorders
The most common children and adolescent anxiety disorders consisting of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and specific phobias remain uneliminated. These disorders comprise idle fears and anxiety or distress that is not proportionate with a real threat, and it makes it hard to meet daily demands. Young people and children suffering from anxiety disorders can have different physical symptoms that include restlessness, muscle tension, and inability to sleep within regular hours. Besides this, they get uncomfortable or do not want to join in some stressful events or activities that might cause their anxiety problems, which can develop social insecurities and academic difficulties.
Treatment Approaches
The treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and anxiety disorders uses an integrated method. Therefore, it includes behavioral modifications, counseling, and drugs (psychotherapy). Approved medications for these disorders include:
ADHD drugs that stimulate (methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine) are used very often to enhance attention, make concentration better, and help with impulsiveness.
Typical antipsychotic medications are used as an intervention for irritability and inappropriate behavior, for example, Risperdal and aripiprazole in individuals with ASD.
SSRIs, like invention selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are commonly used to treat anxiety and also to relieve symptoms of anxiety, and improve mood.
One must see medications as only one element in a broad treatment plan that consists of therapy, same-behavior techniques, and individualized elements.
Treatment Facilities in Jamaica
In Jamaica, children with psychological disorders can receive comprehensive care and treatment at various facilities, which include;
University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI)
The Child Guidance Clinic at UHWI not only conducts evaluation, diagnosis, and therapies for children and adolescents who have psychological disorders but also for those with ADHD and emotional or developmental complications. Such treatment approaches may be medication management, sessions focused on individual therapy, and family counseling, as well.
Bellevue Hospital
The Bellevue Hospital provides services to mental health patients under the age of 18 with specific programs in place, such as psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. Our hospital’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit delivers a wide range of services that ensure that children and young people are treated for diverse mental issues to increase their chances of better well-being.
Private Practice Clinics
Apart from the many private practice clinics and mental health professionals in Jamaica practicing in the treatment of youngsters with psychological disorders, some are being specialized. The clinics are aimed at the child’s individual treatment program, which has already been adjusted for the unique needs of the patient, and it takes into account evidence-based procedures and family involvement for positive results.
Conclusion
For children and teenagers to have a proper knowledge of psychological disorders is a complex process that includes considering the unique developmental, ecological, and contextual factors at play during these settings. By acknowledging these variations and prescription-modifying approaches, healthcare staff will well be the persons to help kids and young adults with psychological problems to be as mentally healthy and happy as possible. In the same manner, access to psychosocial services aimed at people in specialized care facilities is also essential in Jamaica in ensuring that the young ones and adolescents receive support as they thrive, even in the presence of challenging psychological issues.
Reference
Butcher, J. N., Mineka, S., & Hooley, J. M. (2017). Abnormal psychology (17th ed). Pearson Education India.
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