Mental illnesses are characterized by changes in the consciousness and thinking of the individual. At the same time, a person’s behavior, his perception of the world around him, and emotional reactions to what is happening are significantly disrupted. A list of​ ​common​ ​mental​ ​diseases​ ​with​ ​descriptions highlights the possible causes of pathologies, their main clinical manifestations and treatment methods.

Agoraphobia

The disease belongs to anxiety-phobic disorders. Characterized by fear of open space, public places, crowds of people. Often the phobia is accompanied by autonomic symptoms (tachycardia, sweating, difficulty breathing, chest pain, tremors, etc.). Panic attacks are possible, which force the patient to abandon their usual way of life for fear of a recurrence of the attack. Agoraphobia is treated with psychotherapeutic methods and medication.

Alcoholic​ ​dementia

It is a complication of chronic alcoholism. At the last stage, without therapy it can lead to the death of the patient. The pathology develops gradually with the progression of symptoms. There are memory impairments, including memory failures, isolation, loss of intellectual abilities, and loss of control over one’s actions. Without medical care, personality decay, speech, thinking, and consciousness disorders are observed. Treatment is carried out in drug treatment hospitals. Refusal of alcohol is required.

Allotriophagy

A mental disorder in which a person strives to eat inedible things (chalk, dirt, paper, chemicals, etc.). This phenomenon occurs in patients with various mental illnesses (psychopathy, schizophrenia, etc.), sometimes in healthy people (during pregnancy), and in children (aged 1-6 years). The causes of the pathology may be a lack of minerals in the body, cultural traditions, or the desire to attract attention. Treatment is carried out using psychotherapy techniques.

Anorexia

A mental disorder resulting from a disruption in the functioning of the food center of the brain. It manifests itself as a pathological desire to lose weight (even at low weight), lack of appetite, and fear of obesity. The patient refuses to eat and uses all sorts of ways to reduce body weight (diet, enemas, inducing vomiting, excessive exercise). Arrhythmias, menstrual irregularities, spasms, weakness and other symptoms are observed. In severe cases, irreversible changes in the body and death are possible.

Autism

Childhood mental illness. Characterized by a violation social interaction, motor skills, speech dysfunctions. Most scientists classify autism as a hereditary​ ​mental ​disease. The diagnosis is made based on observation of the child's behavior. Manifestations of pathology: the patient’s unresponsiveness to speech, instructions from other people, poor visual contact with them, lack of facial expressions, smiles, delayed speech skills, detachment. Methods of speech therapy, behavioral correction, and drug therapy are used for treatment.

White fever

Alcoholic psychosis, manifested by behavioral disturbances, anxiety of the patient, visual, auditory, tactile hallucinations, due to dysfunction of metabolic processes in the brain. The causes of delirium are an abrupt interruption of a long drinking binge, a large one-time volume of alcohol consumed, and low-quality alcohol. The patient has body tremors, heat, pallor of the skin. Treatment is carried out in a psychiatric hospital and includes detoxification therapy, taking psychotropic drugs, vitamins, etc.

Alzheimer's disease

It is an incurable mental illness, characterized by degeneration of the nervous system and gradual loss of mental abilities. Pathology is one of the causes of dementia in older people (over 65 years old). It manifests itself as progressive memory impairment, disorientation, and apathy. In the later stages, hallucinations, loss of independent thinking and motor abilities, and sometimes convulsions are observed. It is possible that disability due to mental illness Alzheimer's will be granted for life.

Pick's disease

A rare​ ​mental​ ​disease with a predominant localization in the frontotemporal lobes of the brain. Clinical manifestations Pathologies go through 3 stages. At the first stage, antisocial behavior is noted (public realization of physiological needs, hypersexuality, etc.), decreased criticism and control of actions, repetition of words and phrases. The second stage is manifested by cognitive dysfunction, loss of reading, writing, counting skills, and sensorimotor aphasia. The third stage is deep dementia (immobility, disorientation), leading to the death of a person.

Bulimia

A mental disorder characterized by uncontrollable overconsumption food. The patient is focused on food, diets (breakdowns are accompanied by gluttony and guilt), his weight, and suffers from bouts of hunger that cannot be satisfied. In the severe form, there are significant weight fluctuations (5-10 kg up and down), swelling of the parotid gland, fatigue, tooth loss, and irritation in the throat. This mental​ ​disease often occurs​ ​in​ ​adolescents, people under 30 years of age, mainly in women.

Hallucinosis

A mental disorder characterized by the presence of various types hallucinations without disturbances of consciousness. They can be verbal (the patient hears a monologue or dialogue), visual (visions), olfactory (sensation of smells), tactile (the feeling of insects, worms, etc. crawling under the skin or on it). The pathology is caused by exogenous factors (infections, injuries, intoxications), organic brain damage, and schizophrenia.

Dementia

A severe​ ​mental​ ​illness characterized by progressive degradation of cognitive function. There is a gradual loss of memory (up to complete loss), thinking abilities, and speech. Disorientation and loss of control over actions are noted. The occurrence of pathology is typical for older people, but is not a normal condition of aging. Therapy is aimed at slowing down the process of personality disintegration and optimizing cognitive functions.

Depersonalization

According to medical reference books and the international classification of diseases, pathology is classified as a neurotic disorder. The condition is characterized by a violation of self-awareness, alienation of the individual. The patient perceives the world around him, his body, activities, and thinking as unreal, existing autonomously from him. There may be disturbances in taste, hearing, pain sensitivity, etc. Periodic similar sensations are not considered a pathology, however, treatment (medication and psychotherapy) is required for a protracted, persistent state of derealization.

Depression

A serious​ ​mental​ ​illness, which is characterized by a depressed mood, lack of joy, and positive thinking. In addition to the emotional signs of depression (sadness, despair, guilt, etc.), physiological symptoms are noted (appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, pain, etc. discomfort in the body, digestive dysfunction, fatigue) and behavioral manifestations (passivity, apathy, desire for solitude, alcoholism, etc.). Treatment includes medications and psychotherapy.

Dissociative fugue

An acute mental disorder in which the patient, under the influence of traumatic incidents, suddenly renounces his personality (completely losing memories of it), inventing a new one for himself. The patient's departure from home is necessarily present, while mental abilities, professional skills, and character are preserved. The new life can be short (a few hours) or last a long time (months and years). Then there is a sudden (rarely gradual) return to the previous personality, while the memories of the new one are completely lost.

Stuttering

Committing convulsive actions of the articulatory and laryngeal muscles when pronouncing speech, distorting it and making it difficult to pronounce words. Typically, stuttering occurs at the very beginning of phrases, less often in the middle, while the patient lingers on one or a group of sounds. The pathology may rarely recur (paroxysmal) or be permanent. There are neurotic (in healthy children under the influence of stress) and neurosis-like (in diseases of the central nervous system) forms of the disease. Treatment includes psychotherapy, speech therapy for stuttering, and drug therapy.

gambling addiction

A mental disorder characterized by addiction to games and a desire for excitement. Among the types of gambling addiction, there is a pathological addiction to gambling in casinos, computer games, online games, slot machines, sweepstakes, lotteries, sales on the foreign exchange and stock markets. Manifestations of pathology include an irresistible constant desire to play, the patient withdraws, deceives loved ones, mental disorders and irritability are noted. Often this phenomenon leads to depression.

Idiocy

Congenital mental illness characterized by severe mental retardation. It is observed from the first weeks of a newborn’s life and is manifested by a significant progressive lag in psychomotor development. Patients lack speech and its understanding, ability to think, and emotional reactions. Children do not recognize their parents, cannot master primitive skills, and grow up absolutely helpless. Often the pathology is combined with anomalies in the physical development of the child. Treatment is based on symptomatic therapy.

Imbecility

Significant mental retardation (moderate mental retardation). Patients have weak learning abilities (primitive speech, however, it is possible to read syllables and understand counting), poor memory, and primitive thinking. There is an excessive manifestation of unconscious instincts (sexual, food), and antisocial behavior. It is possible to learn self-care skills (through repetition), but such patients are not able to live independently. Treatment is based on symptomatic therapy.

Hypochondria

A neuropsychic disorder based on the patient’s excessive worries about his health. In this case, manifestations of pathology can be sensory (exaggeration of sensations) or ideogenic (false ideas about sensations in the body that can cause changes in it: cough, stool disorders, and others). The disorder is based on self-hypnosis, its main cause is neurosis, sometimes organic pathologies. An effective method of treatment is psychotherapy with the use of medications.

Hysteria

Complex neurosis, which is characterized by states of passion, pronounced emotional reactions, and somatovegetative manifestations. There is no organic damage to the central nervous system, the disorders are considered reversible. The patient strives to attract attention, has an unstable mood, and may experience motor dysfunction (paralysis, paresis, unsteadiness of gait, head twitching). A hysterical attack is accompanied by a cascade of expressive movements (falling on the floor and rolling on it, tearing out hair, twisting limbs, etc.).

Kleptomania

An irresistible urge to steal someone else's property. Moreover, the crime is committed not for the purpose of material enrichment, but mechanically, with a momentary impulse. The patient is aware of the illegality and abnormality of addiction, sometimes tries to resist it, acts alone and does not develop plans, does not steal out of revenge or for similar reasons. Before the theft, the patient experiences a feeling of tension and anticipation of pleasure; after the crime, the feeling of euphoria persists for some time.

Cretinism

The pathology that occurs with thyroid dysfunction is characterized by retardation of mental and physical development. All causes of cretinism are based on hypothyroidism. It can be a congenital or acquired pathology during the development of the child. The disease manifests itself as retarded growth of the body (dwarfism), teeth (and their replacement), disproportionality of the structure, and underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics. There are hearing, speech, and intellectual impairments of varying severity. Treatment consists of lifelong use of hormones.

"Cultural" shock

Negative emotional and physical reactions provoked by a change in a person’s cultural environment. At the same time, a collision with a different culture, an unfamiliar place causes discomfort and disorientation in the individual. The condition develops gradually. At first, a person perceives new conditions positively and optimistically, then the stage of “culture” shock begins with awareness of certain problems. Gradually, the person comes to terms with the situation, and depression recedes. Last stage characterized by successful adaptation to a new culture.

Mania​ ​of persecution

A mental disorder in which the patient feels being watched and threatened with harm. The pursuers are people, animals, unreal beings, inanimate objects, etc. The pathology goes through 3 stages of formation: initially the patient is worried about anxiety, he becomes withdrawn. Further, the symptoms become more pronounced, the patient refuses to go to work or close circle. At the third stage, a severe disorder occurs, accompanied by aggression, depression, suicide attempts, etc.

Misanthropy

Mental disorder associated with alienation from society, rejection, hatred of people. It manifests itself as unsociability, suspicion, distrust, anger, and enjoyment of one’s state of misanthropy. This psychophysiological personality trait can turn into antrophobia (fear of a person). People suffering from psychopathy, delusions of persecution, and after suffering attacks of schizophrenia are prone to pathology.

Monomania

Excessive obsessive commitment to an idea, a subject. It is a single-subject insanity, a single mental disorder. At the same time, the preservation of mental health in patients is noted. This term is absent in modern classifiers of diseases, since it is considered a relic of psychiatry. Sometimes used to refer to psychosis characterized by a single disorder (hallucinations or delusions).

Obsessive states

A mental illness characterized by the presence of persistent thoughts, fears, and actions regardless of the will of the patient. The patient is fully aware of the problem, but cannot overcome his condition. Pathology manifests itself in obsessive thoughts (absurd, scary), counting (involuntary recounting), memories (usually unpleasant), fears, actions (their meaningless repetition), rituals, etc. Treatment uses psychotherapy, medications, and physiotherapy.

Narcissistic​ ​personality disorder

Excessive personal experience of one’s importance. Combined with the requirement of increased attention to oneself and admiration. The disorder is based on the fear of failure, the fear of being of little value and defenseless. Personal behavior is aimed at confirming one’s own value; a person constantly talks about his merits, social, material status or mental, physical abilities, etc. Long-term psychotherapy is required to correct the disorder.

Neurosis

A collective term characterizing a group of psychogenic disorders of a reversible, usually not severe, course. The main cause of the condition is stress and excessive mental stress. Patients are aware of the abnormality of their condition. Clinical signs of pathology are emotional (mood swings, vulnerability, irritability, tearfulness, etc.) and physical (cardiac dysfunction, digestion, tremor, headache, difficulty breathing and other) manifestations.

Mental retardation

Congenital or acquired at an early age mental retardation caused by organic damage brain. It is a common pathology, manifested by impairments of intelligence, speech, memory, will, emotional reactions, motor dysfunctions of varying severity, and somatic disorders. The thinking of patients remains at the level of young children. Self-care abilities are present, but reduced.

Panic​ ​attacks

A panic attack accompanied by severe fear, anxiety, and vegetative symptoms. The causes of the pathology are stress, difficult life circumstances, chronic fatigue, the use of certain medications, mental and somatic diseases or conditions (pregnancy, the postpartum period, menopause, adolescence). In addition to emotional manifestations (fear, panic), there are vegetative ones: arrhythmias, tremors, difficulty breathing, painful sensations V various parts body (chest, abdomen), derealization, etc.

Paranoia

A mental disorder characterized by excessive suspicion. Patients pathologically see a conspiracy, evil intent directed against them. At the same time, in other areas of activity and thinking, the patient’s adequacy is fully preserved. Paranoia can be a consequence of certain mental illnesses, brain degeneration, or medications. Treatment is predominantly medicinal (neuroleptics with anti-delusional effect). Psychotherapy is ineffective because the doctor is perceived as a participant in the conspiracy.

Pyromania

A mental disorder characterized by the patient’s irresistible craving for arson. Arson is committed impulsively, in the absence of full awareness of the act. The patient experiences pleasure from performing the action and observing the fire. At the same time, there is no material benefit from arson, it is committed confidently, the pyromaniac is tense, fixated on the topic of fires. When observing the flame, sexual arousal is possible. Treatment is complex, since pyromaniacs often have serious mental disorders.

Psychoses

A severe mental disorder is accompanied by delusional states, mood swings, hallucinations (auditory, olfactory, visual, tactile, gustatory), agitation or apathy, depression, aggression. At the same time, the patient lacks control over his actions and criticism. The causes of pathology include infections, alcoholism and drug addiction, stress, psychotrauma, age-related changes (senile psychosis), dysfunction of the central nervous and endocrine systems.

Self-injurious​ ​behavior​ ​(Patomimia)

A mental disorder in which a person intentionally causes damage to himself (wounds, cuts, bites, burns), but their traces are defined as a skin disease. In this case, there may be a tendency to injure the skin and mucous membranes, damage to nails, hair, and lips. Neurotic excoriation (skin scratching) is often encountered in psychiatric practice. Pathology is characterized by the systematicity of causing damage using the same method. To treat pathology, psychotherapy with the use of medications is used.

Seasonal​ ​depression

Mood disorder, its depression, a feature of which is the seasonal frequency of the pathology. There are 2 forms of the disease: “winter” and “summer” depression. The pathology becomes most common in regions with short daylight hours. Manifestations include depressed mood, fatigue, anhedonia, pessimism, decreased libido, thoughts of suicide, death, and vegetative symptoms. Treatment includes psychotherapy and medication.

Sexual perversions

Pathological forms of sexual desire and distortion of its implementation. Sexual perversions include sadism, masochism, exhibitionism, pedo-, bestiality, homosexuality, etc. With true perversions, a perverted way of realizing sexual desire becomes the only possible way for the patient to obtain satisfaction, completely replacing normal sexual life. Pathology can form due to psychopathy, mental retardation, organic lesions of the central nervous system, etc.

Senesthopathy

Unpleasant sensations of varying content and severity on the surface of the body or in the area internal organs. The patient feels burning, twisting, pulsation, heat, cold, burning pain, drilling, etc. Usually the sensations are localized in the head, less often in the abdomen, chest, and limbs. There is no objective reason for this pathological process, which could evoke similar feelings. The condition usually occurs against the background of mental disorders (neurosis, psychosis, depression). Therapy requires treatment of the underlying disease.

Negative Twin Syndrome

A mental disorder in which the patient is convinced that he or someone close to him has been replaced by an absolute double. In the first option, the patient claims that a person exactly identical to him is to blame for the bad actions he has committed. Delusions of a negative double occur in autoscopic (the patient sees the double) and Capgras syndrome (the double is invisible). Pathology often accompanies mental illness (schizophrenia) and neurological diseases.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Dysfunction of the large intestine, characterized by the presence of symptoms that bother the patient for a long period (more than six months). The pathology is manifested by abdominal pain (usually before defecation and disappearing after), bowel dysfunction (constipation, diarrhea or their alternation), and sometimes autonomic disorders. A psycho-neurogenic mechanism for the formation of the disease is noted; intestinal infections, hormonal fluctuations, and visceral hyperalgesia are also identified among the causes. Symptoms usually do not progress over time and there is no weight loss.

Syndrome​ ​chronic​ ​fatigue

Constant, long-term (more than six months) physical and mental fatigue, which persists after sleep and even several days of rest. Usually starts with infectious disease, however, it is also observed after recovery. Manifestations include weakness, periodic headaches, insomnia (often), impaired performance, possible weight loss, hypochondria, and depression. Treatment includes stress reduction, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques.

Syndrome​ ​emotional​ ​burnout

A state of mental, moral and physical exhaustion. The main reasons for the phenomenon are regular stressful situations, monotony of actions, intense rhythm, a feeling of underappreciation, and undeserved criticism. Manifestations of the condition include chronic fatigue, irritability, weakness, migraines, dizziness, and insomnia. Treatment consists of observing a work-rest regime; it is recommended to take a vacation and take breaks from work.

Vascular​ ​dementia

Progressive decline in intelligence and disruption of adaptation in society. The cause is damage to areas of the brain due to vascular pathologies: hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, etc. The pathology manifests itself as a violation of cognitive abilities, memory, control over actions, deterioration of thinking, and understanding of spoken speech. In vascular dementia, there is a combination of cognitive and neurological disorders. The prognosis of the disease depends on the severity of brain damage.

Stress​ ​and​ ​disorder​ ​adaptation

Stress is the reaction of the human body to excessively strong stimuli. Wherein this state can be physiological and psychological. It should be noted that with the latter option, stress is caused by both negative and positive emotions of strong severity. Adaptation disorder is observed during the period of adaptation to changing life conditions under the influence of various factors (loss of loved ones, serious disease And so on). At the same time, there is a connection between stress and adaptation disorder (no more than 3 months).

Suicidal behavior

A pattern of thoughts or actions aimed at self-destruction in order to escape life problems. Suicidal behavior includes 3 forms: completed suicide (ended in death), attempted suicide (not completed for various reasons), suicidal action (committing actions with a low probability of lethality). The last 2 options often become a request for help, and not a real way to die. Patients must be under constant supervision and treatment is carried out in a psychiatric hospital.

Madness

The term means severe mental illness (insanity). Rarely used in psychiatry, usually used in colloquial speech. By the nature of its impact on the environment, madness can be useful (the gift of foresight, inspiration, ecstasy, etc.) and dangerous (rage, aggression, mania, hysteria). According to the form of the pathology, they distinguish between melancholy (depression, apathy, emotional distress), mania (hyperexcitability, unjustified euphoria, excessive mobility), hysteria (reactions of increased excitability, aggressiveness).

Tafophilia

A disorder of attraction, characterized by a pathological interest in the cemetery, its paraphernalia and everything connected with it: tombstones, epitaphs, stories about death, funerals, etc. There are varying degrees of craving: from mild interest to obsession, manifested in a constant search for information, frequent visits to cemeteries, funerals, and so on. Unlike thanatophilia and necrophilia, with this pathology there are no predilections for a dead body or sexual arousal. Funeral rites and their paraphernalia are of primary interest in taphophilia.

Anxiety

An emotional reaction of the body, which is expressed by concern, anticipation of troubles, and fear of them. Pathological anxiety can occur against a background of complete well-being, may be short-lived or be a stable personality trait. It manifests itself as tension, expressed anxiety, a feeling of helplessness, loneliness. Physically, tachycardia, increased breathing, increased blood pressure, hyperexcitability, and sleep disturbances may be observed. Psychotherapeutic techniques are effective in treatment.

Trichotillomania

A mental disorder that relates to obsessive-compulsive neurosis. It manifests itself as a urge to pull out one’s own hair, and in some cases, to subsequently eat it. It usually appears against a background of idleness, sometimes during stress, and is more common in women and children (2-6 years). Hair pulling is accompanied by tension, which then gives way to satisfaction. The act of pulling out is usually done unconsciously. In the vast majority of cases, pulling is carried out from the scalp, less often - in the area of ​​eyelashes, eyebrows and other hard-to-reach places.

Hikikomori

A pathological condition in which a person renounces social life, resorting to complete self-isolation (in an apartment, room) for a period of more than six months. Such people refuse to work, communicate with friends, relatives, are usually dependent on loved ones or receive unemployment benefits. This phenomenon is a common symptom of depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and autistic disorders. Self-isolation is developing gradually; if necessary, people still go out into the outside world.

Phobia

Pathological irrational fear, reactions to which worsen when exposed to provoking factors. Phobias are characterized by an obsessive, persistent course, while the person avoids frightening objects, activities, etc. The pathology can be of varying degrees of severity and is observed both in small neurotic disorders oh, and for serious mental illnesses (schizophrenia). Treatment includes psychotherapy with the use of medications (tranquilizers, antidepressants, etc.).

Schizoid disorder

A mental disorder characterized by unsociability, isolation, low need for social life, and autistic personality traits. Such people are emotionally cold and have a weak ability for empathy and trusting relationships. The disorder begins in early childhood and continues throughout life. This personality is characterized by the presence unusual hobbies(scientific research, philosophy, yoga, individual sports, etc.). Treatment includes psychotherapy and social adaptation.

Schizotypal​ ​disorder

A mental disorder characterized by abnormal behavior and impaired thinking, similar to the symptoms of schizophrenia, but mild and unclear. There is a genetic predisposition to the disease. The pathology is manifested by emotional (detachment, indifference), behavioral (inappropriate reactions) disorders, social maladjustment, the presence of obsessions, strange beliefs, depersonalization, disorientation, and hallucinations. Treatment is complex and includes psychotherapy and medication.

Schizophrenia

A severe mental illness of a chronic course with a violation of thought processes, emotional reactions, leading to the disintegration of personality. The most common signs of the disease include auditory hallucinations, paranoid or fantastic delusions, speech and thinking disorders, accompanied by social dysfunction. The violent nature of auditory hallucinations (suggestions), the patient’s secrecy (devotes only to those closest to him), and chosenness (the patient is convinced that he has been chosen for the mission) are noted. Drug therapy is indicated for treatment ( antipsychotic drugs) in order to correct symptoms.

Selective​ ​(selective)​ ​mutism

A condition when a child has a lack of speech in certain situations while the speech apparatus is functioning properly. In other circumstances and conditions, children retain the ability to speak and understand spoken speech. In rare cases, the disorder occurs in adults. Typically, the onset of pathology is characterized by a period of adaptation to kindergarten and school. With normal child development, the disorder resolves spontaneously by the age of 10 years. The most effective treatments are family, individual and behavioral therapy.

Encopresis

A disease characterized by dysfunction, uncontrollability of bowel movements, and fecal incontinence. It is usually observed in children; in adults it is more often of an organic nature. Encopresis is often combined with stool retention and constipation. The condition can be caused not only by mental, but also by somatic pathologies. The causes of the disease are immaturity of control of the act of defecation; a history of intrauterine hypoxia, infection, birth injury. More often, the pathology occurs in children from socially disadvantaged families.

Enuresis

Syndrome of uncontrolled, involuntary urination, mainly at night. Urinary incontinence is more common in children of preschool and early school age; there is usually a history of neurological pathology. The syndrome contributes to the occurrence of psychological trauma in the child, the development of isolation, indecisiveness, neuroses, and conflicts with peers, which further complicates the course of the disease. The goal of diagnosis and treatment is to eliminate the cause of the pathology, psychological correction of the condition.

The main types of mental disorders that are typical for adults occur in childhood and adolescence. Timely diagnosis in this case is of great importance, since it affects the treatment and further prognosis of the development of severe psychopathology. Mental disorders in school-age children are most often limited to the following categories: schizophrenia, anxiety and social behavior disorders. Also, adolescents often experience psychosomatic disorders that have no organic causes.

Most often in adolescence There are mood disorders (depression), which can have the most dangerous consequences. At this time, his entire existence seems hopeless to the teenager, he sees everything in black tones. A fragile psyche is the cause of suicidal thoughts among young people, and this problem has acquired important medical significance.

In most cases, depression begins with the child’s complaints about his neuropsychic state and subjective feelings. The teenager isolates himself from others and withdraws into himself. He feels inferior, depressed and often aggressive, while his critical attitude towards himself further aggravates his difficult mental state. If the teenager is not provided with medical assistance at this moment, then he may be lost.

Early symptoms of the disease may indicate a problem:

• The child's behavior changes for no apparent reason.
• Academic performance is deteriorating.
• There is also a constant feeling of fatigue.
• The child withdraws, withdraws into himself, and can lie idle all day long.
• The teenager shows increased aggressiveness, irritability, and tearfulness.
• He does not share his experiences, becomes detached, forgetful, ignores requests, is silent all the time, does not devote himself to his affairs and gets irritated if he is asked.
• The teenager suffers from bulimia or a complete lack of appetite.

The list goes on, but if a teenager exhibits most of the listed signs, then you should immediately contact a specialist. Childhood mental disorders should be treated by a doctor who specializes in the treatment of adolescent psychopathologies. Treatment for depression most often involves a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions.

Schizophrenia

Timely identification and pharmacotherapy of the initial stage of schizophrenia in childhood and adolescence helps to improve the prognosis in the future. The early signs of this disorder are vague and similar to common puberty problems. However, after a few months the picture changes, and the pathology becomes more distinct.

It is believed that schizophrenia always manifests itself as delusions or hallucinations, but in reality early signs schizophrenia can be very diverse: from obsessions, anxiety disorders to emotional impoverishment, etc.

Signs of mental disorder in school-aged children and adolescents:

• The child’s warm feelings towards his parents weaken and his personality changes. Groundless aggression, anger, and irritation arise, although relationships with peers may remain the same.
• Initial symptoms can be expressed in the form of loss of former interests and hobbies, while new ones do not appear. Such children may wander aimlessly on the street or laze around the house.
• At the same time, lower instincts weaken. Patients lose interest in food. They do not feel hungry and may skip meals. In addition, teenagers become sloppy and forget to change dirty things.

A characteristic sign of pathology is a sharp decline academic performance and loss of interest in school life, unmotivated aggression and personality changes. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more obvious, and a specialist will be able to easily recognize the signs of schizophrenia.

Psychosomatic disorders

In adolescence, psychosomatic disorders often occur: abdominal or head pain, sleep disorders. These somatic problems are caused by psychological reasons associated with age-related changes in the body.

Stress and nervous tension caused by school and family troubles result in insomnia and poor health in a teenager. The student has difficulty falling asleep in the evening or wakes up too early in the morning. In addition, he may suffer from nightmares, enuresis or sleepwalking. All of these disorders are indications for seeing a doctor.

Schoolchildren, both girls and boys, often suffer from persistent headaches. In girls, it is sometimes associated with a certain period of the menstrual cycle. But mostly they arise without organic causes, as in respiratory diseases, but are caused by psychosomatic disorders.

These painful sensations are caused by increased muscle tone, and prevent the child from studying normally at school and doing homework.

Examination of children under 6 years of age

The score is more challenging task than examining an adult patient. Toddlers lack the language and cognitive capabilities to describe their emotions and sensations. Thus, the doctor should rely mainly only on observation data of the child’s parents and educators.

The first signs of the disease in preschool children:

• Nervous and mental disorders after 2 years of age arise due to the fact that the mother limits the child’s independence and overprotects him, continuing to breastfeed the grown-up baby. Such a child is timid, dependent on his mother, and often lags behind his peers in the development of skills.
• At the age of 3 years, mental disorders are expressed in increased fatigue, moodiness, irritability, tearfulness, speech disorders. If you suppress the sociability and activity of a three-year-old child, this can lead to isolation, autism, and future problems in interacting with peers.
• Neurotic reactions in 4-year-old children are expressed in protest against the will of adults and hypertrophied stubbornness.
• The reason to seek help from a doctor regarding disorders in a 5-year-old child is the occurrence of symptoms such as poor vocabulary, loss of previously acquired skills, refusal role playing games and joint activities with peers.

When assessing the mental state of children, we must not forget that they develop within a family framework, and this greatly influences the child’s behavior.

A child with a normal psyche, living in a family of alcoholics and periodically exposed to violence, at first glance may have signs of mental disorders. Fortunately, in most cases, childhood mental disorders have mild degree and respond well to therapy. In severe forms of pathology, treatment is carried out by a qualified child psychiatrist.

In childhood, a variety of diseases can manifest themselves - neuroses, schizophrenia, epilepsy, exogenous brain damage. Although the main signs of these diseases that are most important for diagnosis appear at any age, the symptoms in children are somewhat different from those observed in adults. However, there are a number of disorders that are specific to childhood, although some of them may persist throughout a person’s life. These disorders reflect disturbances in the natural course of development of the body; they are relatively stable; significant fluctuations in the child’s condition (remissions) are usually not observed, as well as a sharp increase in symptoms. As they develop, some of the anomalies can be compensated or disappear altogether. Most of the disorders described below occur more often in boys.

Childhood autism

Childhood autism (Kanner syndrome) occurs with a frequency of 0.02-0.05%. It occurs 3-5 times more often in boys than in girls. Although developmental abnormalities can be identified in infancy, the disease is usually diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 5 years, when social communication skills are developing. The classic description of this disorder [Kanner L., 1943] includes extreme isolation, a desire for loneliness, difficulties in emotional communication with others, inadequate use of gestures, intonation and facial expressions when expressing emotions, deviations in the development of speech with a tendency to repeat, echolalia, incorrect use of pronouns (“you” instead of “I”), monotonous repetition of noise and words, decreased spontaneous activity, stereotypy, mannerisms. These disorders are combined with excellent mechanical memory and an obsessive desire to keep everything unchanged, fear of change, the desire to achieve completeness in any action, and a preference for communicating with objects over communicating with people. The danger is represented by the tendency of these patients to self-harm (biting, pulling out hair, hitting the head). At high school age, epileptic seizures often occur. Concomitant mental retardation is observed in 2/3 of patients. It has been noted that the disorder often occurs after intrauterine infection(rubella). These facts support the organic nature of the disease. A similar syndrome, but without intellectual impairment, was described by H. Asperger (1944), who considered it as hereditary disease(concordance in identical twins up to 35%). Di This disorder must be differentiated from oligophrenia and childhood schizophrenia. The prognosis depends on the severity of the organic defect. Most patients show some improvement in behavior with age. For treatment, special training methods, psychotherapy, and small doses of haloperidol are used.

Childhood hyperkinetic disorder

Hyperkinetic behavior disorder (hyperdynamic syndrome) is a relatively common developmental disorder (from 3 to 8% of all children). The ratio of boys to girls is 5:1. Characterized by extreme activity, mobility, and impaired attention, which prevents regular classes and the assimilation of school material. The work started, as a rule, is not completed; with good mental abilities, children quickly cease to be interested in the task, lose and forget things, get into fights, cannot sit in front of the TV screen, constantly pester others with questions, push, pinch and pull parents and peers. It is assumed that the disorder is based on minimal brain dysfunction, but clear signs of a psychoorganic syndrome are almost never observed. In most cases, behavior normalizes between the ages of 12 and 20, but to prevent the formation of persistent psychopathic antisocial traits, treatment should begin as early as possible. Therapy is based on persistent, structured education (strict control by parents and educators, regular exercise). In addition to psychotherapy, psychotropic drugs are also used. Nootropic drugs are widely used - piracetam, pantogam, phenibut, encephabol. Most patients experience a paradoxical improvement in behavior with the use of psychostimulants (sydnocarb, caffeine, phenamine derivatives, stimulant antidepressants - imipramine and sydnophen). When using phenamine derivatives, temporary growth retardation and loss of body weight are occasionally observed, and dependence may form.

Isolated delays in skill development

Children often experience an isolated delay in the development of any skill: speech, reading, writing or counting, motor functions. Unlike oligophrenia, which is characterized by a uniform lag in the development of all mental functions, with the disorders listed above, usually, as one gets older, there is a significant improvement in the condition and a smoothing of the existing lag, although some disorders may remain in adults. Pedagogical methods are used for correction.

ICD-10 includes several rare syndromes, presumably of an organic nature, that occur in childhood and are accompanied by an isolated disorder of certain skills.

Landau-Kleffner syndrome manifests itself as a catastrophic impairment of pronunciation and speech understanding at the age of 3-7 years after a period of normal development. Most patients experience epileptiform seizures, and almost all have EEG abnormalities with mono- or bilateral temporal pathological epiactivity. Recovery is observed in 1/3 of cases.

Rett syndrome occurs only in girls. It is manifested by loss of manual skills and speech, combined with delayed head growth, enuresis, encopresis and attacks of shortness of breath, sometimes epileptic seizures. The disease occurs at the age of 7-24 months against the background of relatively favorable development. At a later age, ataxia, scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis occur. The disease leads to severe disability.

Disorders of certain physiological functions in children

Enuresis, encopresis, eating inedible (pica), stuttering can occur as independent disorders or (more often) are symptoms of childhood neuroses and organic lesions brain Often, several of these disorders or their combination with tics can be observed in the same child at different ages.

Stuttering It occurs quite often in children. It is indicated that transient stuttering occurs in 4%, and persistent stuttering occurs in 1% of children, more often in boys (in various studies the gender ratio is estimated from 2:1 to 10:1). Typically, stuttering occurs at the age of 4 - 5 years against the background of normal mental development. 17% of patients have a hereditary history of stuttering. There are neurotic variants of stuttering with a psychogenic onset (after fright, against the background of severe intra-family conflicts) and organically caused (dysontogenetic) variants. The prognosis for neurotic stuttering is much more favorable; after puberty, the disappearance of symptoms or smoothing is observed in 90% of patients. Neurotic stuttering is closely related to traumatic events and personal characteristics patients (anxious and suspicious traits predominate). Characterized by increased symptoms in situations of great responsibility and difficult experience of one’s illness. Quite often, this type of stuttering is accompanied by other symptoms of neurosis (logoneurosis): sleep disturbances, tearfulness, irritability, fatigue, fear of public speaking (logophobia). The long-term existence of symptoms can lead to pathological personality development with an increase in asthenic and pseudoschizoid traits. The organically conditioned (dysontogenetic) variant of stuttering gradually develops regardless of traumatic situations; psychological experiences regarding the existing speech defect are less pronounced. Other signs of organic pathology are often observed (disseminated neurological symptoms, changes in the EEG). Stuttering itself has a more stereotypical, monotonous character, reminiscent of tic-like hyperkinesis. Increased symptoms are associated more with additional exogenous hazards (injuries, infections, intoxications) than with psycho-emotional stress. Treatment of stuttering should be carried out in collaboration with a speech therapist. In the neurotic version, speech therapy sessions should be preceded by relaxation psychotherapy (“silence mode”, family psychotherapy, hypnosis, auto-training and other suggestions, group psychotherapy). In treating organic options great importance given to the prescription of nootropics and muscle relaxants (mydocalm).

Enuresis at various stages of development is observed in 12% of boys and 7% of girls. The diagnosis of enuresis is made in children over 4 years of age; in adults, this disorder is rarely observed (up to 18 years of age, enuresis persists in only 1% of boys, and is not observed in girls). Some researchers note the participation of hereditary factors in the occurrence of this pathology. It is proposed to distinguish between primary (dysontogenetic) enuresis, which manifests itself in the fact that a normal rhythm of urination is not established from infancy, and secondary (neurotic) enuresis, which occurs in children against the background of psychological trauma after several years of normal regulation of urination. The latter variant of enuresis proceeds more favorably and by the end of puberty in most cases disappears. Neurotic (secondary) enuresis, as a rule, is accompanied by other symptoms of neurosis - fears, timidity. These patients often react acutely emotionally to the existing disorder; additional mental trauma provokes an increase in symptoms. Primary (dyzontogenetic) enuresis is often combined with mild neurological symptoms and signs of dysontogenesis (spina bifida, prognathia, epicanthus, etc.), and partial mental infantilism is often observed. There is a calmer attitude towards their defect, strict frequency, not related to the immediate psychological situation. Urination during nocturnal attacks of epilepsy should be distinguished from inorganic enuresis. For differential diagnosis EEG is examined. Some authors consider primary enuresis as a sign predisposing to the occurrence of epilepsy [Shprecher B.L., 1975]. To treat neurotic (secondary) enuresis, calming psychotherapy, hypnosis and auto-training are used. Patients with enuresis are advised to reduce fluid intake before bedtime, as well as eat foods that promote water retention in the body (salty and sweet foods).

Tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine, amitriptyline) for enuresis in children have a good effect in most cases. Enuresis often goes away without special treatment.

Tiki

Tiki occur in 4.5% of boys and 2.6% of girls, usually at the age of 7 years and older, usually do not progress and in some patients disappear completely upon reaching maturity. Anxiety, fear, attention from others, and the use of psychostimulants intensify tics and can provoke them in an adult who has recovered from tics. A connection is often found between tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children. You should always carefully differentiate tics from others motor disorders(hyperkinesis), often a symptom of severe progressive nervous diseases (parkinsonism, Huntingon's chorea, Wilson's disease, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, chorea minor, etc.). Unlike hyperkinesis, tics can be suppressed by force of will. The children themselves treat them as bad habit. Family psychotherapy, hypnosuggestion and autogenic training are used to treat neurotic tics. It is recommended to involve the child in physical activity that is interesting to him (for example, playing sports). If psychotherapy is unsuccessful, mild antipsychotics are prescribed (Sonapax, Etaparazine, Halotteridol in small doses).

A serious illness manifested by chronic tics isGilles de la Tourette syndrome The disease begins in childhood (usually between 2 and 10 years); in boys 3-4 times more often than in girls. At first, tics appear in the form of blinking, head twitching, and grimacing. After a few years in adolescence, vocal and complex motor tics appear, often changing localization, sometimes having an aggressive or sexual component. Coprolalia (swear words) is observed in 1/3 of cases. Patients are characterized by a combination of impulsiveness and obsessions, and a decreased ability to concentrate. The disease is hereditary in nature. There is an accumulation among relatives of sick patients with chronic tics and obsessional neurosis. There is a high concordance in identical twins (50-90%), and about 10% in fraternal twins. Treatment is based on the use of antipsychotics (haloperidol, pimozide) and clonidine in minimal doses. The presence of excessive obsessions also requires the prescription of antidepressants (fluoxetine, clomipramine). Pharmacotherapy helps control the condition of patients, but does not cure the disease. Sometimes the effectiveness of drug treatment decreases over time.

Peculiarities of manifestation of major mental illnesses in children

Schizophrenia with onset in childhood differs from typical options diseases with a more malignant course, a significant predominance of negative symptoms over productive disorders. Early onset of the disease is more common in boys (sex ratio is 3.5:1). It is very rare to see such typical manifestations schizophrenia, such as delusions and pseudohallucinations. Disorders of the motor sphere and behavior predominate: catatonic and hebephrenic symptoms, disinhibition of drives or, conversely, passivity and indifference. All symptoms are characterized by simplicity and stereotyping. The monotonous nature of the games, their stereotyping and schematism are noteworthy. Often children select special objects for games (wires, forks, shoes) and neglect toys. Sometimes there is a surprising one-sidedness of interests (see. clinical example, illustrating body dysmorphomania syndrome, in section 5.3).

Although typical signs of a schizophrenic defect (lack of initiative, autism, indifferent or hostile attitude towards parents) can be observed in almost all patients, they are often combined with a kind of mental retardation, reminiscent of mental retardation. E. Kraepelin (1913) identified as an independent formpfropfschizophrenia, combining features of oligophrenia and schizophrenia with a predominance of hebephrenic symptoms. Occasionally, forms of the disease are observed in which mental development preceding the manifestation of schizophrenia occurs, on the contrary, at an accelerated pace: children begin to read and count early, and are interested in books that do not correspond to their age. In particular, it was noticed that paranoid form Schizophrenia is often preceded by premature intellectual development.

At puberty, frequent signs of the onset of schizophrenia are dysmorphomanic syndrome and symptoms of depersonalization. The slow progression of symptoms and the absence of obvious hallucinations and delusions may resemble neurosis. However, unlike neuroses, such symptoms do not depend in any way on existing stressful situations and develop autochthonously. The symptoms typical of neuroses (fears, obsessions) are early joined by rituals and senestopathies.

Affective insanity does not occur in early childhood. Distinct affective attacks can be observed in children at least 12-14 years old. Quite rarely, children may complain of feeling sad. More often, depression manifests itself as somatovegetative disorders, sleep and appetite disorders, and constipation. Depression may be indicated by persistent lethargy, slowness, unpleasant sensations in the body, moodiness, tearfulness, refusal to play and communicate with peers, and a feeling of worthlessness. Hypomanic states are more noticeable to others. They manifest themselves with unexpected activity, talkativeness, restlessness, disobedience, decreased attention, and inability to balance actions with their own strengths and capabilities. In adolescents, more often than in adult patients, a continuous course of the disease is observed with permanent shift affective phases.

Young children rarely show clear patterns neurosis. More often, short-term neurotic reactions are observed due to fear, an unpleasant prohibition from the parents for the child. The likelihood of such reactions is higher in children with symptoms of residual organic failure. It is not always possible to clearly identify variants of neuroses characteristic of adults (neurasthenia, hysteria, obsessive-phobic neurosis) in children. Noteworthy are the incompleteness and rudimentary nature of the symptoms and the predominance of somatovegetative and movement disorders (enuresis, stuttering, tics). G.E. Sukhareva (1955) emphasized that the pattern is that the younger the child, the more monotonous the symptoms of neurosis.

A fairly common manifestation of childhood neuroses is a variety of fears. In early childhood, this is a fear of animals, fairy-tale characters, movie heroes; in preschool and primary school age - fear of darkness, loneliness, separation from parents, death of parents, anxious anticipation of upcoming school work; in adolescents - hypochondriacal and dysmorphophobic thoughts, sometimes fear of death . Phobias more often occur in children with an anxious and suspicious character and increased impressionability, suggestibility, and timidity. The emergence of fears is facilitated by hyperprotection on the part of parents, which consists of constant anxious fears for the child. Unlike obsessions in adults, children's phobias are not accompanied by a consciousness of alienation and pain. As a rule, there is no purposeful desire to get rid of fears. Obsessive thoughts, memories, and obsessive counting are not typical for children. Abundant ideationary, non-emotionally charged obsessions, accompanied by rituals and isolation, require differential diagnosis with schizophrenia.

Detailed pictures of hysterical neurosis in children are also not observed. More often you can see affective respiratory attacks with loud crying, at the height of which respiratory arrest and cyanosis develop. Psychogenic selective mutism is sometimes noted. The reason for such reactions may be a parental prohibition. Unlike hysteria in adults, children's hysterical psychogenic reactions occur in boys and girls with the same frequency.

The basic principles of treating mental disorders in childhood do not differ significantly from the methods used in adults. Leading in treatment endogenous diseases is psychopharmacotherapy. In the treatment of neuroses, psychotropic drugs are combined with psychotherapy.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Bashina V.M. Early childhood schizophrenia (statics and dynamics). - 2nd ed. - M.: Medicine, 1989. - 256 p.
• Guryeva V.A., Semke V.Ya., Gindikin V.Ya. Psychopathology of adolescence. - Tomsk, 1994. - 310 p.
• Zakharov A.I. Neuroses in children and adolescents: anamnesis, etiology and pathogenesis. - JL: Medicine, 1988.
• Kagan V.E. Autism in children. - M.: Medicine, 1981. - 206 p.
• Kaplan G.I., Sadok B.J. Clinical psychiatry: Transl. from English - T. 2. - M.: Medicine, 1994. - 528 p.
• Kovalev V.V. Childhood psychiatry: A guide for doctors. - M.: Medicine, 1979. - 607 p.
• Kovalev V.V. Semiotics and diagnosis of mental illness in children and adolescents. - M.: Medicine, 1985. - 288 p.
• Oudtshoorn D.N. Child and adolescent psychiatry: Trans. from the Netherlands. / Ed. AND I. Gurovich. - M., 1993. - 319 p.
• Psychiatry: Transl. from English / Ed. R. Shader. - M.: Praktika, 1998. - 485 p.
• Simeon T.P. Schizophrenia in early childhood. - M.: Medgiz, 1948. - 134 p.
• Sukhareva G.E. Lectures on childhood psychiatry. - M.: Medicine, 1974. - 320 p.
• Ushakov T.K. Child psychiatry. - M.: Medicine, 1973. - 392 p.

The concept of mental disorder in children can be quite difficult to explain, let alone define, especially on your own. Parents' knowledge is usually not enough for this. As a result, many children who could benefit from treatment do not receive the help they need. This article will help parents learn to identify warning signs of mental illness in children and highlight some options for help.

Why is it difficult for parents to determine the state of mind of their child?

Unfortunately, many adults are unaware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness in children. Even if parents know the basic principles of recognizing serious mental disorders, they often have difficulty recognizing mild signs of abnormal behavior in their children. And the child sometimes does not have enough vocabulary or intellectual baggage to explain his problems verbally.

Concerns about stereotypes associated with mental illness, the cost of using some medications, and logistical complexity possible treatment, often delay the timing of therapy, or force parents to explain their child’s condition as some simple and temporary phenomenon. However, a psychopathological disorder that is beginning to develop cannot be restrained by anything other than proper, and most importantly, timely treatment.

The concept of mental disorder, its manifestation in children

Children can suffer from the same mental illnesses as adults, but they manifest them in different ways. For example, depressed children often show more signs of irritability than adults, who tend to be more sad.

Children most often suffer from a number of diseases, including acute or chronic mental disorders:

Children suffering from anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder show strong signs of anxiety, which is a persistent problem that interferes with their daily activities.

Sometimes anxiety is a traditional part of every child's experience, often moving from one developmental stage to the next. However, when stress takes an active role, it becomes difficult for the child. It is in such cases that symptomatic treatment is indicated.

Attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder.

This disorder typically includes three categories of symptoms: difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Some children with this condition have symptoms of all categories, while others may have only one sign.

This pathology is serious disorder development that appears in early childhood - usually before the age of 3 years. Although symptoms and their severity are subject to change, the disorder always affects a child's ability to communicate and interact with others.

Eating disorders - such as anorexia, bulimia and gluttony - are quite serious illnesses that threaten the life of a child. Children can become so preoccupied with food and their weight that it prevents them from focusing on anything else.

Affect disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder can lead to persistent feelings of sadness or mood swings that are much more severe than the normal variability common in many people.

This chronic mental illness causes the child to lose touch with reality. Schizophrenia most often appears in late adolescence, from about 20 years of age.

Depending on the child's condition, illnesses can be classified as temporary mental disorders or permanent ones.

Main signs of mental illness in children

Some markers that a child may have mental health problems are:

Mood changes. Look for dominant signs of sadness or melancholy that last for at least two weeks, or severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships at home or at school.

Too strong emotions. Acute emotions of overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes combined with tachycardia or rapid breathing, are a serious reason to pay attention to your child.

Uncharacteristic behavior. This may include sudden changes in behavior or self-image, as well as dangerous or out of control actions. Frequent fights with the use of third-party objects, a strong desire to harm others are also warning signs.

Difficulty concentrating. Characteristic manifestation similar signs very clearly visible when preparing homework. It is also worth paying attention to teachers’ complaints and current school performance.

Unexplained weight loss. Sudden loss appetite, frequent vomiting or laxative use may indicate an eating disorder;

Physical symptoms. Compared to adults, children with mental health problems may often complain of headaches and stomach pains rather than sadness or anxiety.

Physical damage. Sometimes mental health conditions lead to self-injury, also called self-harm. Children often choose far inhumane methods for these purposes - they often cut themselves or set themselves on fire. Such children also often develop thoughts of suicide and attempts to actually commit suicide.

Substance abuse. Some children use drugs or alcohol to try to cope with their feelings.

Actions of parents if a child is suspected of having mental disorders

If parents are truly concerned about their child's mental health, they should contact a professional as soon as possible.

The clinician should describe the present behavior in detail, focusing on the most striking discrepancies with more early period. For more information, before visiting a doctor, it is recommended to talk with school teachers, class teacher, close friends or other persons who spend some time with the child long time. As a rule, this approach is very helpful in making up your mind and discovering something new, something that a child would never show at home. We must remember that there should be no secrets from the doctor. And yet, there is no panacea in the form of pills for mental disorders.

General actions of specialists

Mental health conditions in children are diagnosed and treated on the basis of signs and symptoms, taking into account the impact of psychological or mental health problems on the child's daily life. This approach also allows us to determine the types of mental disorders of the child. There are no simple, unique or 100% guaranteed positive tests. To make a diagnosis, the doctor may recommend the presence of related professionals, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, mental health educators, or behavioral therapist.

The doctor or other professionals will work with the child, usually on an individual basis, to determine first whether the child has a genuine abnormal mental health condition based on diagnostic criteria, or not. For comparison, special databases of child psychological and mental symptoms are used, which are used by specialists all over the world.

In addition, the doctor or other mental health provider will look for other possible reasons to explain the child's behavior, such as a history of previous illness or trauma, including family history.

It is worth noting that diagnosing childhood mental disorders can be quite difficult, since expressing their emotions and feelings correctly can be a serious challenge for children. Moreover, this quality always varies from child to child - there are no identical children in this regard. Despite these challenges, an accurate diagnosis is an integral part of proper, effective treatment.

General therapeutic approaches

Common treatment options for children who have mental health problems include:

Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” or behavior therapy, is a way to treat many mental health problems. Speaking with a psychologist, while showing emotions and feelings, the child allows you to look into the very depths of his experiences. During psychotherapy, children themselves learn a lot about their condition, mood, feelings, thoughts and behavior. Psychotherapy can help a child learn to respond to difficult situations while healthy coping with problematic barriers.

In the process of searching for problems and their solutions, specialists themselves will offer the necessary and most effective treatment option. In some cases, psychotherapy sessions will be quite sufficient, in others - without medicines there will be no way around it.

It is worth noting that acute mental disorders are always easier to treat than chronic ones.

Parental help

At such moments, the child needs the support of his parents more than ever. Children with mental health diagnoses, just like their parents, typically experience feelings of helplessness, anger and frustration. Ask your child's doctor for advice on how to change the way you interact with your son or daughter and how to cope with difficult behavior.

Look for ways to relax and have fun with your child. Compliment his strengths and abilities. Explore new stress management techniques that can help you understand how to calmly respond to stressful situations.

Family counseling or support groups can be a good help in treating childhood mental disorders. This approach is very important for parents and children. This will help you understand your child's illness, his feelings, and what you can do together to provide maximum help and support.

To help your child succeed in school, keep your child's teachers and school officials informed about your child's mental health. Unfortunately, in some cases you may have to change educational institution for a school whose curriculum is designed for children with mental problems.

If you are concerned about your child's mental health, seek professional advice. No one can make a decision for you. Don't avoid help because you are ashamed or afraid. With the right support, you can find out the truth about whether your child has disabilities and can explore treatment options, thereby ensuring your child continues to have a decent quality of life.

Mental disorders in children: symptoms

Due to special factors, be it a difficult family atmosphere, genetic predisposition or traumatic brain injury, various mental disorders may occur. When a child comes into the world, it is impossible to understand whether he is mentally healthy or not. Physically, such children are no different. Violations appear later.

Mental disorders in children are divided into 4 large classes:

1) Mental retardation;

2) Developmental delays;

3) Attention deficit disorder;

4) Autism in early childhood.

Mental retardation. Developmental delay

The first type of mental disorder in children is mental retardation or oligophrenia. The child’s psyche is underdeveloped and there is an intellectual defect. Symptoms:

• Impaired perception and voluntary attention.
• The vocabulary is narrowed, speech is simplified and defective.
• Children are led environment, and not with your motivation and desires.

There are several stages of development of mental retardation depending on IQ: mild, moderate, severe and profound. Basically, they differ only in the severity of symptoms.

The causes of such a mental disorder are a pathology of the chromosome set, or trauma before birth, during childbirth or early in life. Maybe because the mother drank alcohol during pregnancy and smoked. Mental retardation can also be caused by infection, falls and injuries to the mother, and difficult childbirth.

Developmental delays (DD) are expressed in impaired cognitive activity, immaturity of the individual compared to healthy peers and a slow pace of mental development. Types of ZPR:

1) Mentally infantilism. The psyche is underdeveloped, behavior is guided by emotions and games, the will is weak;

2) Delays in the development of speech, reading, and counting;

3) Other violations.

The child lags behind his peers and learns information more slowly. The ZPR can be adjusted, the most important thing is that teachers and educators are aware of the problem. A child with a delay needs more time to learn something, however, with the right approach it is possible.

Attention deficit disorder. Autism

Mental disorders in children can take the form of attention deficit disorder. This syndrome is expressed in the fact that the child concentrates very poorly on a task and cannot force himself to do one thing for a long time and to the end. Often this syndrome is accompanied by hyperreactivity.

• The child does not sit still, constantly wants to run somewhere or start doing something else, and is easily distracted.
• If he plays something, he can't wait for his turn to come. Can only play active games.
• He talks a lot, but never listens to what they say to him. Moves a lot.
• Heredity.
• Trauma during childbirth.
• Infection or virus, drinking alcohol while pregnant.

There are various ways to treat and correct this disease. It can be treated with medication, it can be treated psychologically - with training. child to cope with his impulses.

Autism in early childhood is divided into the following types:

Autism, in which the child is unable to communicate with other children and adults, never makes eye contact and tries not to touch people;

Stereotypes in behavior, when a child protests against the most minor changes in his life and the world around him;

Speech development disorder. He does not need speech for communication - the child can speak well and correctly, but cannot communicate.

There are other disorders that can affect children of different ages. For example, schizophrenia, manic states, Tourette's syndrome and many others. However, they all occur in adults. The disorders listed above are typical specifically for childhood.



Classification of mental illnesses

In Russian psychiatry, there is traditionally an idea of ​​the primary importance of identifying various nosological forms of mental pathology. This concept is based on.

www.psyportal.net

Nervous disorders in children 2-3 years old



Childhood diseases

At an appointment with a psychotherapist

Psychotherapist, psychiatrist. The decision to consult a child with these specialists is usually not an easy one for parents to make. To do this means to admit the suspicion that the child has neuropsychiatric disorders, admit that he is “nervous”, “abnormal”, “defective”, “crazy”. Many people are afraid of “registration” and the associated imaginary and real possible restrictions on forms of education and choice of profession. In this regard, parents often try not to notice developmental features, behavior, and oddities, which are often manifestations of the disease. If there is still a suspicion that the child has a neuropsychiatric disorder, then, as a rule, attempts are first made to treat him with some kind of “home remedies.” These could be either medications recommended by someone you know, or activities read in numerous “healing” manuals.



Convinced of the futility of attempts to improve the child’s condition, parents finally decide to seek help, but often not from a doctor, but from friends, healers, sorcerers, psychics, “grandmothers”, of whom there is now no shortage: many newspapers print a lot of similar offers type of services. Unfortunately, this often leads to sad consequences.

In the case when a child is really sick, he still ends up seeing a specialist, but the disease may already be advanced. When turning to a psychotherapist or psychiatrist for the first time, parents, as a rule, try to do this informally, anonymously.

Responsible parents should not hide from problems, be able to recognize early signs of neuropsychiatric disorders, consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow his recommendations. Every parent needs knowledge about measures to prevent deviations in the child’s development, about the causes of neurotic disorders, and about the first signs of mental illness.

The issues surrounding children's mental health are too serious. Experiments in solving them are unacceptable. It is better to contact a specialist and be happy to find out that you are “safe” and the child does not have neuropsychic disorders, get advice on their prevention, than to go to the doctor when it is no longer possible to ignore the manifestations of the disease, and hear: “Where were you before?” ?!”

About how to create a child favorable conditions for the development of his psyche, the formation of personality, how to prevent the appearance of neuropsychic disorders, promptly identify their early signs, where and to whom it is better to turn, this will be discussed in this section.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

The most favorable conditions for the mental development of the personality of babies are situations in which the birth is planned and desired, and the relationship between their parents is stable and characterized by love and respect. It is unlikely that anyone will doubt this. Of course, children born in other conditions are not necessarily doomed to have neuropsychiatric disorders. Family, family relationships, and characteristics of upbringing are the most important, but far from the only factors influencing the development of a child’s psyche and personality. A child born into a conflict or single-parent family has many chances to develop normally and become a full-fledged individual. Only the conditions for this will be less favorable, and his parents, relatives, educators and teachers will have to spend much more effort on raising such a child.

And, on the contrary, a child born in the most favorable family environment, under the influence of many factors, can be formed as a person with disabilities. To prevent this from happening, parents need to love and respect their children and follow two golden rules.

Demand from the child only what he can. In order to do this, you need to study your child well, his capabilities and abilities. You cannot exhaust him with educational didactic games. You should humble your ambitions, rejoice if he masters new skills and abilities in a timely manner, and be wary if he is ahead of his peers in development. Don't stop loving him, even if he didn't live up to expectations.

Meet the child's needs. To follow this rule, you need to be very attentive to your child. It is important to understand that he needs not only to eat, drink, dress, be clean, and study. We must remember the child’s vital needs for respect, recognition as an individual, affection, impressions, games, etc.

If suddenly there is something in your child’s behavior or communication that you do not understand, if family relationships have reached a dead end, timely and qualified help from a psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist can be very useful.

Until relatively recently, it was believed that it makes sense for a psychiatrist, and even more so a psychotherapist, to show children only after they have turned 3 years old. Before this, as many still believe to this day, the child had no psyche. And if obvious developmental and behavioral disorders of the baby do arise, then pediatricians and neurologists can successfully deal with them. Unfortunately, even now you can still find a child psychiatrist or psychotherapist who holds detailed views and refuses to accept a small child (“Come back after three years!”). This is not true. For more than ten years now, here and even earlier, abroad, a new branch of psychotherapy and psychiatry has emerged, called perinatal. Contacting a perinatal psychologist, psychotherapist, or a specialist in so-called early intervention will help solve many problems in a timely manner.

A child psychiatrist or psychotherapist quite often has to meet at appointments with overly ambitious parents who believe that their child is behind in development, although in fact this is not the case. At the same time, ignorance of the norm and early manifestations of general mental underdevelopment often leads to the fact that parents do not notice (or do not want to notice!) disorders of the child’s mental development.

The child may still be very young, but neuropsychic disorders are already manifesting themselves. To notice them, you need to know the patterns of neuropsychic development. In the table compiled by A.V. Mazurin and I.M. Vorontsov (2000), the left column shows the actions that a child should be able to perform at a certain age, and the right column indicates his age in months. If a child has already reached this age and does not perform the appropriate action, then this should alert parents and be a reason to contact a child psychotherapist or psychiatrist.

Actions that a child should be able to perform at a certain age

The main manifestations of early autism are:

Monotonous behavior with a tendency to stereotypical movements.



Early childhood autism most clearly manifests itself between the ages of 2 and 5 years, although some signs of it are noted earlier. Thus, already in infants there is a lack of the “revitalization complex” characteristic of healthy children when in contact with their mother or teacher, they do not smile when they see their parents, sometimes there is a lack of an indicative reaction to external stimuli, which can be taken for a defect in the senses (hearing, vision). In children of the first 3 years of life, manifestations of early autism may include sleep disturbances in the form of shortened duration and reduced depth, intermittency, difficulty falling asleep, early awakenings, persistent appetite disorders with its decrease and special selectivity, lack of hunger, general anxiety and causeless crying.

Kovalev Alexander Ivanovich

Main child psychiatrist Ministry of Health of the Rostov Region

Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Rostov Medical University

At an early age, children are often indifferent to loved ones, do not give an adequate emotional reaction to their appearance and departure, and often do not seem to notice their presence. Any change familiar surroundings(for example, in connection with the rearrangement of furniture, the appearance of a new thing, a new toy) often causes discontent or even violent protest with crying and shrill screaming. A similar reaction occurs when changing the order or time of walking, washing and other aspects of the daily routine.

The behavior of children with autism is monotonous. They can perform the same actions for hours, vaguely reminiscent of a game: pouring and pouring water into and out of dishes, pouring something, sorting out pieces of paper, matchboxes, cans, strings, moving them from place to place, placing them in a certain order, without allowing anyone to remove or move them. Children with early autism actively seek solitude, feeling better when left alone.

The nature of contact with the mother can be different: along with an indifferent attitude, in which children do not react to the presence or absence of the mother, a negativistic form is observed when the child treats the mother unkindly and actively drives her away from him. There is also a symbiotic form of contact, in which the child refuses to remain without his mother, expresses anxiety in her absence, although he never shows affection to her.

Motor impairments are very typical, manifested, on the one hand, in general motor insufficiency, angularity and disproportion of voluntary movements, clumsy gait, on the other hand, in the appearance in the 2nd year of life of peculiar stereotypical movements (flexion and extension of fingers, fingering), shaking, flapping and rotating the hands, jumping, rotating around its axis, walking and running on tiptoe.

As a rule, there is a significant delay in the formation of basic self-care skills (eating independently, washing, dressing and undressing, etc.).

The child’s facial expressions are poor, inexpressive, characterized by an “empty, expressionless look,” as well as a look as if past or “through” the interlocutor.

The development of speech in some cases occurs in normal or even more early dates, in others it is more or less delayed. However, regardless of the timing of the appearance of speech, a violation of its formation is noted, mainly due to the insufficiency of the communicative function of speech. Up to the age of 5–6 years, children rarely actively ask questions, often do not answer questions addressed to them or give monosyllabic answers. At the same time, quite developed “autonomous speech”, a conversation with oneself, can take place. Characteristic pathological forms speech: immediate and delayed repetitions of the words of others, words and definitions invented by the child and scanned pronunciation, unusual drawn-out intonation, rhyming, the use of pronouns and verbs in the 2nd and 3rd person in relation to themselves. Some children experience a complete refusal to use speech, although it is intact.

Emotional manifestations in children of early and preschool age are poor and monotonous. Most often they are expressed in the form of primitive emotions of pleasure, sometimes accompanied by a smile, or dissatisfaction and irritation with monotonous crying and not clearly expressed general anxiety. Stereotyped movements (jumping, shaking hands, etc.) can be a kind of equivalent of positive experiences.

Intellectual development can be different. From profound mental retardation to intact intelligence.

The dynamics of autism in children depend on age. In some children, the communicative function of speech improves, first in the form of answers to questions, and then in the form of spontaneous speech, although partial “autonomy” of speech, pretentiousness, and the use of non-childish phrases and cliches borrowed from the statements of adults remain for a long time. Some children develop a desire to ask unusual, abstract, “abstruse” questions (“What is life?”, “Where is the end of everything?”, etc.). Game activity changes, which takes the form of one-sided interests, often of an abstract nature. Children are keen on compiling transport routes, listing streets and alleys, collecting and compiling a catalog of geographical maps, writing out newspaper headlines, etc. Such activities are characterized by a special desire for schematism, formal registration of objects, phenomena, and stereotypical listing of numbers and names.

Specialists at the Phoenix Center provide treatment for autism using various techniques. We are ready to help your child!

The center conducts thorough diagnosis and treatment of all mental and psychosomatic disorders of children, adolescents, adults and the elderly, including early childhood autism, childhood fears, childhood schizophrenia, ADHD, childhood neurosis, etc.

Our experience shows that, despite the severity of the disorders, in some cases successful socialization of child patients is possible - the acquisition of skills independent life and mastery of fairly complex professions. It is important to emphasize that even in the most difficult cases, persistent correctional work always gives positive dynamics: the child can become adapted, sociable and independent in the circle of close people.

LLC “Medical and Rehabilitation Research Center “Phoenix”” Psychiatric Clinic

Symptoms of a nervous disorder

We have known since childhood that nerve cells do not regenerate, but this knowledge is often not taken seriously by us. But a nervous disorder is dangerous. What symptoms should we know in order to contact a specialist in time and prevent trouble?

Symptoms of a nervous disorder often depend on the temperament of the individual. But common signs also exist for everyone - a constant feeling of fatigue and irritability, loss of appetite, or vice versa - irrepressible gluttony, sleep disturbance.

Nervous disorder: symptoms

Of course, you can try to overcome nervous disorders yourself in the early stages, but our psyche and nervous system are too subtle organizations that are easy to disrupt and difficult to restore. Therefore, it is better, without delay, to consult a doctor. Better yet, become familiar with the causes of such disorders and eliminate them from your life.

Nervous disorder: causes

As a rule, to severe lesions nervous system is caused by various factors that negatively affect the structure and functioning of nerve cells.

One of the most common causes of such disturbances in the functioning of nerve cells is hypoxia. Because of it, not only brain cells suffer, but also all other cells of the nervous system. It is especially important that harm is caused not only by acute hypoxia, but also by chronic hypoxia. Therefore, do not forget about the need to regularly ventilate the room and walk outside. But this is precisely what people most often neglect. Just a fifteen-minute walk can significantly improve a person’s well-being. Sleep and appetite are normalized, nervousness disappears.

Changing body temperature also does not have the best effect on the state of the nervous system. For example, if a person maintains a temperature above 39 degrees for a long time, the metabolic rate increases significantly. Nerve cells are very excited, after which they begin to slow down, and energy resources are depleted. In the same case, if there is general hypothermia of the body, the speed of reactions in neurons sharply decreases. Consequently, the entire work of the nervous system slows down to a large extent.

Another very common negative factor is the effect on the body of certain toxic substances. Doctors even identify a separate group of poisons that act extremely selectively, affecting the cells of the nervous system. Such poisons are called neurotropic.

All kinds of metabolic disorders are also quite dangerous for the nervous system. Moreover, it is the central section that is most often affected. For example, hypoglycemia is very dangerous for the brain. Surely everyone knows that eating chocolate on time improves performance. And precisely because of the high glucose content in it. If the glucose level drops sharply, a sharp disruption in the functioning of brain cells will begin, including loss of consciousness. Well, if glucose deficiency is observed for a long time, irreversible damage to the cerebral cortex is possible.

Nonpsychotic psychic disorders of residual-organic genesis in infants with perinatal defeat of the central nervous system

The article presents data of nonpsychotic psychic disorders in children 3 years with perinatal hypoxic-ischemic defeat of CNS. Major syndromes are neuropathic symptoms and residual-organic psychosyndrome.

Adverse effects in the early stages of ontogenesis can cause developmental defects, childhood cerebral palsy and mental retardation, other diseases of the nervous system. The impact of pathogenic factors on the fetus in late pregnancy causes a deviation in the formation of higher cortical functions.

Disorders of intrauterine development of the fetus due, first of all, to chronic intrauterine hypoxia, increase the risk of perinatal damage to the central nervous system. And if in the first half of life, disorders of the nervous system are of a medical nature, then later they acquire a social connotation, posing a threat to physical and mental health.

An important task facing specialists working in the field of perinatal medicine is the creation of a system of prognosis, early diagnosis, development of unified programs for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of children in the neonatal period and subsequent periods of life.

With the emergence and improvement of reproductive, fruit-saving and neonatal technologies, there is an increase in the birth of children with perinatal pathology. In addition, technologies themselves can become sources of the birth of children with disabling pathologies.



Epidemiological studies in recent years indicate an increase in the number of borderline neuropsychiatric disorders in various groups of the world population. According to WHO experts, up to 20% of children worldwide have mental health problems. Leading place among children and teenagers borderline pathology occupy non-psychotic mental disorders of residual organic origin.

Knowledge clinical characteristics initial manifestations of mental disorders caused by perinatal pathology makes it possible to identify a risk group for special rehabilitation measures from the first year of life, “at the origins of the disease.”

The modern paradigm of the biopsychosocial approach to diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation argues that the provision of psychiatric care requires more intensive development of out-of-hospital, consultative and therapeutic types of care, including a multiprofessional and interdepartmental approach, relying on the primary links of general somatic services. Unfortunately, despite numerous studies, the issue of the influence of perinatal damage to the central nervous system on the subsequent mental development of a child in an early age remains insufficiently studied. Observation, diagnosis and therapy of children under 3 years of age with this pathology is carried out mainly by pediatricians, taking into account the diagnostic criteria of the specialty. As a consequence, there is often insufficient understanding of the mechanisms of occurrence of neuropsychic disorders at this stage of ontogenesis, their interpretation from a somatological position and ineffective therapy.

The purpose of the study was to establish the nature of mental disorders in young children who suffered perinatal damage to the central nervous system of mild and moderate severity. This study was carried out on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Ural Research Institute OMM of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (director - Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. Kovalev V.V.). 153 children of both sexes aged 3 years were subjected to a comprehensive study. The selection of children was carried out using a random sampling method.

The inclusion criteria for the study included: 1. Full-term children aged 3 years who had suffered from hypoxic-ischemic PPNS of mild to moderate severity. 2. Full-term children aged 3 years without indications of cerebral pathology of the perinatal period. 3. The overall intellectual index of the sample is not lower than average in accordance with the methodological recommendations developed by S.D. Zabramnaya and O.V. Borovik, and the indicators of the D. Wechsler subscale (drawing test adapted for children from three years old). Children with pathologies of the organs of hearing, vision, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, EDA syndrome (early childhood autism), degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, intrauterine malformations (IUD), TORCH-associated infections, congenital hypothyroidism, and epilepsy were excluded from the study.

The assessment of the degree of perinatal damage to the central nervous system was carried out on the basis of the “Classification of perinatal lesions of the nervous system in newborns” (2000), adopted by the Russian Association of Perinatal Medicine Specialists (RASPM). Clinical interpretation and differentiated diagnosis of mental disorders are classified in accordance with the syndromic scheme of perinatal damage to the central nervous system (ICD-10, 1996, RASPM, 2005).

The main group consisted of 119 children who had signs of residual organic cerebral insufficiency of perinatal origin at the start of the study. The children under observation were divided into 2 subgroups: 1 subgroup included 88 children who had mental disorders at the age of 3; subgroup 2 included 31 children without mental disorders at the age of 3 years. The control group included 34 children aged 3 years who were born healthy and without mental disorders.

The clinical research method was the main one and included clinical-anamnestic, clinical-psychopathological and clinical-follow-up research using a specially developed examination card, including a questionnaire among parents. The study of children was carried out by examining and interviewing them, collecting data from parents and close relatives. Testing of children was carried out on the basis of parental consent at 9-10 am, no more than 1 hour, taking into account the psychophysiological characteristics of this age.

In addition to assessing the neurological status, the psychomotor and speech development of children was taken into account. Mental status was assessed on the basis of a clinical examination by a psychiatrist and a psychological block of studies with the consent of the parents.

In the diagnosis, not only the diagnostic rubrics of ICD-10 were used, which ignores the dynamic principle of assessing conditions, but also domestic principles for determining the clinical picture and course, as well as the prognosis of the disease, used in psychiatry. Assessment of mental health, psychomotor and speech development was carried out by a child psychiatrist and, if necessary, a speech therapist.

Statistical processing of the research results was carried out using the Microsoft Excel 7.0 software package for Windows 98 “STATISTICA 6” (M was determined - mathematical expectation (arithmetic mean), standard deviation for the sample, error of the arithmetic mean - m). To assess the significance of differences between groups, Student's t-tests were used for independent samples, adjusted for differences in variances (differences in means were considered statistically significant if the significance level did not exceed 0.05; P ≥ 0.05, differences were rejected).

In the course of this study, an analysis of biological factors influencing the occurrence of neuropsychiatric disorders in 119 young children was carried out. At the same time, it was possible to establish the specific features of the ontogenesis of children who underwent PP of the central nervous system of hypoxic-ischemic genesis of mild and moderate severity in the studied groups. All children were born full-term in the Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of OMM of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and maternity hospitals in Yekaterinburg, among them 73 girls (47.7%, n=119) and 80 boys (52.3%, n=119).

At the initial stage of the study, correlations of small and medium strength were established between mental disorders in children and perinatal factors (p<0.0001). These included: intrauterine hypoxia r = 0.53 combined (intrauterine and intrapartum) hypoxia of moderate severity - r = 0.34 hypoxic-ischemic damage to the central nervous system mild degree severity r=0.42 hypoxic-ischemic damage to the central nervous system of moderate degree r=0.36.

Subsequently, an analysis was carried out of the frequency and structure of complaints made by parents in connection with the health status of their children aged 3 years in the studied subgroups. The data is presented in Table 1.

Frequency and structure of complaints from parents in connection with the health and behavior of their children aged 3 years in the studied groups

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Mental disorders can complicate a person’s life even more than obvious physical disabilities. The situation is especially critical when a small child suffers from an invisible illness, who has his whole life ahead of him, and right now rapid development should occur. For this reason, parents should be aware of the topic, closely monitor their children and promptly respond to any suspicious phenomena.

Causes

Childhood mental illnesses do not appear out of nowhere - there is a clear list of criteria that do not guarantee the development of a disorder, but greatly contribute to it. Individual diseases have their own causes, but this area is more characterized by mixed specific disorders, and this is not about choosing or diagnosing a disease, but about the general causes of its occurrence. It is worth considering all possible causes, without dividing by the disorders they cause.

Genetic predisposition

This is the only completely inevitable factor. In this case, the disease is caused by initially improper functioning of the nervous system, and Genetic disorders, as we know, cannot be treated – doctors can only muffle the symptoms.

If cases of serious mental disorders are known among close relatives of future parents, it is possible (but not guaranteed) that they will be passed on to the baby. However, such pathologies can manifest themselves even in preschool age.

Mental disability

Brain damage

Another extremely common reason, which (like gene disorders) interferes with the normal functioning of the brain, but not at the genetic level, but at the level visible under an ordinary microscope.

This primarily includes head injuries received in the first years of life, but some children are so unlucky that they are injured before birth - or as a result of a difficult birth.

Disorders can also be caused by an infection, which is considered more dangerous for the fetus, but can also infect the child.

Bad habits of parents

Usually they point to the mother, but if the father was not healthy due to alcoholism or a strong addiction to smoking or drugs, this could also affect the child’s health.

Experts say that the female body is especially sensitive to the destructive effects of bad habits, so it is generally not advisable for women to drink or smoke, but even a man who wants to conceive a healthy child must first abstain from such methods for several months.

A pregnant woman is strictly prohibited from drinking and smoking.

Constant conflicts

When they say that a person is capable of going crazy in a difficult psychological situation, this is not at all an artistic exaggeration.

If an adult does not provide a healthy psychological atmosphere, then for a child who does not yet have a developed nervous system or a correct perception of the world around him, this can be a real blow.

Most often, the cause of pathologies is conflicts in the family, since the child stays there most of the time, there is nowhere for him to go. However, in some cases, an unfavorable environment among peers - in the yard, in kindergarten or school - can also play an important role.

In the latter case, the problem can be solved by changing the institution that the child attends, but to do this you need to understand the situation and begin to change it even before the consequences become irreversible.

Types of diseases

Children can suffer from almost all mental illnesses to which adults are also susceptible, but children also have their own (purely childhood) illnesses. Wherein accurate diagnosis This or that disease in childhood becomes much more complicated. This is due to the developmental characteristics of children, whose behavior is already very different from that of adults.

Not in all cases, parents can easily recognize the first signs of problems.

Even doctors usually make a final diagnosis no earlier than the child reaches primary school age, using early disorder very vague, too general concepts.

We will provide a generalized list of diseases, the description of which for this reason will not be perfectly accurate. In some patients, individual symptoms will not appear, and the very fact of the presence of even two or three signs will not mean a mental disorder. In general, the summary table of childhood mental disorders looks like this.

Mental retardation and developmental delay

The essence of the problem is quite obvious - the child is physically developing normally, but in terms of mental and intellectual level he is significantly behind his peers. It is possible that he will never reach the level of at least an average adult.

The result can be mental infantilism, when an adult behaves literally like a child, moreover, a preschooler or elementary school student. It is much more difficult for such a child to learn, this may be caused by: bad memory, and the inability to voluntarily focus attention on a specific subject.

The slightest extraneous factor can distract a child from learning.

Attention Deficit Disorder

Although the name of this group of diseases may be perceived as one of the symptoms of the previous group, the nature of the phenomenon here is completely different.

A child with such a syndrome does not lag behind in mental development, and the hyperactivity typical for him is perceived by most people as a sign of health. However, it is in excessive activity that the root of evil lies, since in this case it has painful features - There is absolutely no activity that a child would love and complete.

It is quite obvious that getting such a child to study diligently is extremely problematic.

Autism

The concept of autism is extremely broad, but in general it is characterized by a very deep withdrawal into one’s own inner world. Many people consider autism to be a form of retardation, but in some forms the learning potential of such children is not very different from their peers.

The problem lies in the impossibility of normal communication with others. While a healthy child learns absolutely everything from those around him, an autistic child receives much less information from the outside world.

Gaining new experiences is also a serious problem, since children with autism perceive any sudden changes extremely negatively.

However, autistic people are even capable of independent mental development, it just happens more slowly - due to the lack of maximum opportunities for acquiring new knowledge.

"Adult" mental disorders

This includes those ailments that are considered relatively common among adults, but are quite rare in children. A noticeable phenomenon among adolescents are various manic states: delusions of grandeur, persecution, and so on.

Childhood schizophrenia affects only one child in fifty thousand, but it is frightening due to the scale of regression in mental and physical development. Due to the pronounced symptoms, Tourette's syndrome has also become known, when the patient regularly uses obscene language (uncontrollably).

What should parents pay attention to?

Psychologists with extensive experience claim that absolutely healthy people do not exist. If in most cases minor oddities are perceived as a peculiar character trait that does not particularly bother anyone, then in certain situations they can become a clear sign of impending pathology.

Since the systematics of mental illnesses in childhood is complicated by the similarity of symptoms in fundamentally different disorders, it is not worth considering alarming oddities in connection with individual diseases. It is better to present them in the form of a general list of alarm bells.

It is worth recalling that none of these qualities is a 100% sign of a mental disorder - unless there is a hypertrophied, pathological level of development of the defect.

So, the reason for going to a specialist may be a clear manifestation of the following qualities in a child.

Increased level of cruelty

Here we should distinguish between childhood cruelty, caused by a lack of understanding of the degree of discomfort caused, and receiving pleasure from the purposeful, conscious infliction of pain - not only on others, but also on oneself.

If a child at the age of about 3 years old pulls a cat by the tail, then he learns the world in this way, but if at school age he checks her reaction to an attempt to tear off her paw, then this is clearly abnormal.

Cruelty usually expresses an unhealthy atmosphere at home or in the company of friends, but it can either go away on its own (under the influence of external factors) or have irreparable consequences.

Fundamental refusal to eat and an exaggerated desire to lose weight

Concept anorexia V last years heard - it is a consequence of low self-esteem and the desire for an ideal that is so exaggerated that it takes on ugly forms.

Among children suffering from anorexia, almost all are teenage girls, but one should distinguish between normal monitoring of their figure and driving themselves to exhaustion, since the latter has an extremely negative effect on the functioning of the body.

Panic attacks

Fear of something may appear generally normal, but be of an unreasonably high degree. Relatively speaking: when a person is afraid of heights (falling), standing on a balcony, this is normal, but if he is afraid to be even just in an apartment, on the top floor, this is already a pathology.

Such unreasonable fear not only interferes with normal life in society, but can also lead to more severe consequences, actually creating a difficult psychological situation where there is none.

Severe depression and suicidal tendencies

Sadness is common to people of any age. If it drags on for a long time (for example, a couple of weeks), the question arises as to the cause.

There is actually no reason for children to become depressed for such a long period, so it can be perceived as a separate illness.

The only common cause of childhood depression may be difficult psychological situation, however, it is precisely the cause of the development of many mental disorders.

Depression itself is dangerous due to its tendency to self-destruction. Many people think about suicide at least once in their lives, but if this topic takes the form of a hobby, there is a risk of attempting to self-mutilate.

Sudden mood swings or changes in habitual behavior

The first factor indicates a weakened psyche, its inability to resist in response to certain stimuli.

If a person behaves this way in everyday life, then his reaction in an emergency situation may be inadequate. In addition, with constant bouts of aggression, depression or fear, a person can torment himself even more, as well as negatively affect the mental health of others.

A strong and sudden change in behavior that does not have a specific justification does not indicate the emergence of a mental disorder, but rather an increased likelihood of such an outcome.

In particular, a person who suddenly became silent must have experienced severe stress.

Extreme hyperactivity that interferes with concentration

When a child is very active, this does not surprise anyone, but he probably has some kind of activity to which he is ready to devote a long time. Hyperactivity with signs of a disorder is when a child cannot even play active games for a long enough time, and not because he is tired, but simply due to a sudden switch of attention to something else.

It is impossible to influence such a child even with threats, but he is faced with reduced learning opportunities.

Negative social phenomena

Excessive conflict (even to the point of regular assault) and a tendency to bad habits themselves can simply signal the presence of a difficult psychological situation that the child is trying to overcome in such unsightly ways.

However, the roots of the problem may lie elsewhere. For example, constant aggression may be caused not only by the need to defend itself, but also by the increased cruelty mentioned at the beginning of the list.

Treatment methods

Although mental disorders are clearly a serious problem, most of them can be corrected - up to full recovery, while a relatively small percentage of them are incurable pathologies. Another thing is that treatment can last for years and almost always requires the maximum involvement of all the people around the child.

The choice of technique strongly depends on the diagnosis, and even diseases with very similar symptoms may require a fundamentally different approach to treatment. That is why it is so important to describe to the doctor as accurately as possible the essence of the problem and the symptoms noticed. The main emphasis should be on comparing “what was and what has become”, explaining why it seems to you that something went wrong.

Most relatively simple diseases can be treated with ordinary psychotherapy - and only with it. Most often, it takes the form of personal conversations between the child (if he has already reached a certain age) and the doctor, who in this way gets the most accurate idea of ​​the patient’s understanding of the essence of the problem.

A specialist can assess the scale of what is happening and find out the reasons. The task of an experienced psychologist in this situation is to show the child the exaggeration of the cause in his mind, and if the cause is really serious, to try to distract the patient from the problem, to give him a new incentive.

At the same time, therapy can take different forms - for example, autistics and schizophrenics who are withdrawn into themselves are unlikely to support a conversation. They may not make contact with humans at all, but they usually do not refuse close communication with animals, which can ultimately increase their sociability, and this is already a sign of improvement.

Use of medications is always accompanied by the same psychotherapy, but already indicates a more complex pathology - or its greater development. Children with impaired communication skills or delayed development are given stimulants to increase their activity, including cognitive activity.

With severe depression, For aggression or panic attacks, antidepressants and sedatives are prescribed. If a child shows signs of painful mood swings and seizures (even hysteria), stabilizing and antipsychotic drugs are used.

Hospital is the most difficult form of intervention, showing the need for constant monitoring (at least during the course). This type of treatment is used only to correct the most severe disorders, such as schizophrenia in children. Illnesses of this kind cannot be treated at once - a small patient will have to go to the hospital several times. If positive changes are noticeable, such courses will become less frequent and shorter over time.

Naturally, during treatment the most favorable conditions should be created for the child. an environment that excludes any stress. That is why the fact of having a mental illness should not be hidden - on the contrary, kindergarten teachers or school teachers should know about it in order to properly build the educational process and relationships in the team.

It is completely unacceptable to tease or reproach a child with his disorder, and in general you should not mention it - let the child feel normal.

But love him a little more, and then over time everything will fall into place. Ideally, it is better to respond before any signs appear (with preventive methods).

Achieve a stable positive atmosphere in the family circle and build a trusting relationship with your child so that he can count on your support at any time and is not afraid to talk about any unpleasant phenomenon for him.

You can find out more information regarding this topic by watching the video below.