About 20% of teenagers in the United States may suffer from a mental health disorder. If your teenager experiences depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the expert pediatric team at All About Children Pediatrics in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, can help. Call 952-943-8200 to schedule a mental health evaluation today.
Mental health is your child’s ability to function well in society, their emotional health, and an overall sense of well-being. Being in a good state of mental health means your child is happy, emotionally healthy, and can establish good relationships with their peers, parents, teachers, and coaches.
Common mental health disorders in children and teenagers include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and ADHD. Signs and symptoms of mental health issues include:
Teens suffering from mental health disorders often find it difficult to deal with normal everyday situations or isolate themselves from people and activities they once enjoyed. Their physical health can take a toll, too.
If your child suffers from depression, anxiety, ADHD, an eating disorder, or another mental health disorder, a good treatment plan can help them:
Children and teens with good mental health tend to be physically healthier and have more energy, less chronic pain, and fewer disease risk factors.
To diagnose mental health issues in children and teens, your pediatrician reviews your child’s medical history and asks questions about their symptoms. They complete a physical exam and may use diagnostic tests to detect or rule out medical problems associated with fatigue, depression, or anxiety.
Your All About Children Pediatrics provider works with you and your child to develop a personalized mental health treatment plan that best suits their needs. They might recommend:
Making lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, eating healthy, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can boost your child's energy, confidence, mood, and overall quality of life.
Taking certain medications can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Your pediatrician reviews the risks and benefits of medications.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, helps your child learn coping strategies to deal with stressful situations and unpleasant emotions.
