Learning Disorders – Knowing Signs
05Dec
29Nov
Parenting Teens with ADHD
You and many other parents may wonder why your child hasn’t outgrown their difficulties sitting still, thinking of consequences before acting, resisting distractions, organizing daily activities, and managing time wisely. People used to believe that only young kids had ADHD and that children grew out of it as they got older. Now we know differently. Today’s research has shown that most kids do not outgrow ADHD when they reach adolescence, and most teens don’t outgrow ADHD when they become young...
17Nov
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens
Bipolar disorder is a severe mental illness that can cause extreme changes in mood. Children and teens with bipolar disorder may have trouble functioning at home, school, or work. They may also have problems with substance abuse and / or other mental health disorders. It’s important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder so they can get their child the help they need.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that...
15Nov
The Importance of Screening for Substance Use in Adolescents
Parents play a critical role in their children’s lives. As their children grow to pre-teens and teens, parents worry about new risks they may experience. One such risk is the use of substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs. Parents can help by talking to their teen’s pediatrician about screening for substance use. Substance use by teens can have a big impact on their health and well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), through a cooperative agreement with the...
09Nov
Teen Suicide: Causes and Warning Signs
Unfortunately, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people 10 to 24 years old. Many parents wonder: Could this really happen to my child? The answer is yes. Young people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, income levels, and community backgrounds die by suicide every year.
There are many things that can cause young people to think about ending their lives, including the loss of a loved one, bullying, and discrimination. It's important to be aware...
31Oct
An Introduction to Depression
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes sadness and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to various emotional and physical problems and decrease your ability to function at work and home.
If you are experiencing some or all of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from depression: Feeling sad or having a depressed mood Loss of interest or pleasure...
25Oct
Anxiety Disorders in Teenagers
Symptoms of anxiety disorders vary from teenager to teenager. Generally speaking, they include excessive fears and worries, feelings of inner restlessness, and a tendency to be excessively wary and vigilant. Even when there is no threat, some teenagers may experience continual nervousness, restlessness, or extreme stress. Anxiety teenagers may appear dependent, withdrawn, or uneasy in social settings. They may also seem either overly restrained or overly emotional. Preoccupation with worries about losing control or unrealistic concerns about social competence is...
24Oct
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The Causes and Treatments
Teen Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress.
You may try to ignore or stop your obsessions, but that only increases your distress and anxiety. Ultimately, you feel driven to perform compulsive acts to try to ease your stress. Despite efforts to ignore or get rid of bothersome thoughts or urges, they keep coming back. This...
20Oct
Parent’s Guide to recognizing Teen Eating Disorders
It can be difficult as a parent to know when your teen is dealing with an eating disorder. Many times, teens will try to hide their problem from their parents. They may seem like they are just going through a phase, or that they are trying to diet or lose weight. However, there are some key signs that you can look for to determine whether or not your teen is struggling with an eating disorder. In this blog post, we...
10Oct