The main psychological problems in adolescents
The Adolescence is a very complicated age, both for the young person who is experiencing a lot of internal and external changes that he does not know how to control, as well as for the parents and adults who are with him, because his attitude almost always prevents us from speaking quietly or we can understand what it happens exactly.
In adolescence it is common the appearance of certain psychological problems which are more or less serious depending on the disorder in question, the time of identification and diagnosis and the treatment of psychologists and support received by the adolescent. Therefore, we bring you a small guide to understand what can happen to your child's head Teen.
Two types of psychological problems in adolescence
In general, most disorders are divided into two types:
- Emotional and behavioral. Disorders of mood, eating behavior (anorexia, bulimia), the so-called crisis of adolescence (isolation, aggressiveness, rebellion, conflicting anxiety in relation to identity and sexual orientation) and disorders by substances such as alcohol or drugs.
- Learning. Attention Deficit, which can occur with or without hyperactivity.
Anxiety in adolescents
As they explain in the General Council of Psychology of Spain (COP), adolescents are nervous by nature, but their anxiety must be kept within limits so that it does not affect negatively in their lives.
Adolescents with high levels of anxiety tend to be insecure, perfectionist and in great need of receiving approval from others. They usually trust little in themselves and are fearful of many situations.
The anxiety crisis: it is "anxiety in its maximum degree". It appears abruptly and is usually of short duration, although very intense: it gives the sensation of imminent death. Among its symptoms include palpitations, sweating, tremors and feelings of suffocation, as well as pain in the chest and discomfort around the heart.
Teen stress
We all live stressful moments in our lives, but there are people who tolerate these circumstances better than others, and this is the case with teenagers. The reactions to stress usually occur with a mixture of depression and anxiety, although they can also be manifested through alterations in the behavior of the young person.
Stressful situations: sudden termination of a courtship, difficulties of integration in the institute, lack of friends, problems with parents.
Stress symptoms: fatigue; eating, drinking or smoking excessively; depressive attitude; nervousness and worried mood; difficult to focus; tantrums sudden leaks from home; social withdrawal.
Aggressiveness in young people
In aggressiveness there is a very important component that is learned: this has been seen during childhood, this is what children do. Even so, during adolescence young people look for a new identity, and often they are aggressive. This aggressiveness is usually caused by:
- Neurophysiological, biological and endocrine factors.
- Some mental illnesses.
- The economic situation: poverty, unemployment, discrimination, marked economic inequalities, imbalance between aspirations and opportunities.
- The tensions of a competitive society, where the accumulation of exclusively material goods is valued.
- The absence of projects or reference points.
- Deteriorated family atmosphere.
- An ineffective school system
- The possession of weapons it is a great risk factor; since in any altercation one can pass, more easily, from an assault to a homicide.
The attitude of the parents in front of the aggressiveness of the children: will depend on the degree they present, something that an expert in psychology should value. Of course, at home from childhood values must be transmitted that have nothing to do with violence: in this way the possibilities of having a violent adolescent will descend.
Hobbies and obsessions
We all have little hobbies, but you have to be careful that you do not become a Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, because in that case it would be a serious problem. Parents should be vigilant because it is common for adolescents to keep these little hobbies secret for a long time.
Teen depression
Remember that "depressed mood" is very common in adolescents: there are too many changes in a short time and many young people react by isolating themselves from others. This makes it difficult to diagnose depression in adolescents, but we should not stop paying attention to sudden behavioral changes and symptoms like these:
- Declined mood or irritable.
- Tiredness or lack of energy.
- Loss of interest for almost any activity.
- The dream is increased or diminished.
- Feelings of uselessness.
- The weight increases or decreases, significantly without performing any regime.
- Psychomotor agitation or slowing down.
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating.
- Affraid to die and ideas of suicide.
Anorexia and bulimia
Anorexia and bulimia are the most common eating disorders in young people, although they are not the only ones. These are diseases in which food and weight become an obsession. The people most predisposed to suffer these diseases are perfectionists, insecure, willing to fulfill what others expect of them and very controlling their thoughts and appearance.
Keys to suspect the appearance of anorexia nervosa:
- Refusal to keep the weight body weight above the normal minimum value, taking into account age and height.
- Intense fear of gaining weight or to become obese, even being below normal weight.
- Alteration in the perception of weight or the body silhouette (it "looks" very fat, "feels" overweight).
- If you have had the first rule, absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles.
In the case of bulimia, care must be taken because it can remain secret for a long time, until health problems begin to appear. This disease is characterized by tremendous binge eating and, later, the fear that food makes them gain weight, so that attitudes are developed to avoid it: vomiting, fasting periods, laxatives, et cetera.
In both cases it is important to go to specialists who work both psychologically and emotionally. Also, it is recommended to avoid hospitalization whenever possible.
Obesity in adolescents
Obesity interferes in various ways in adolescents, and can even accelerate sexual maturation and the course of growth. Among its psychological effects include
- Damaged self-esteem, for cruel jokes of other teenagers.
- Constant worry so that other teenagers can think of them.
- Sadness and isolation, who find comfort in food, thus constituting a vicious circle from which it is difficult to leave.
The family against the disorders in adolescents
The most important thing is understanding and patience. If your child has a psychological disorder, no matter how serious it may be, it is very likely that he will feel a mixture of guilt and shame that makes him angry. Therefore, in the family you must show understanding and with patience but, yes, without "passing it all": still you must learn to behave as it should and have respect for others. Do not forget a maxim: you have to focus on solutions, and not on problems. Therefore, go to ask for help experts will help and guide you in the process.
Angela R. Bonachera
