A teen that exhibits disruptive, aggressive, or defiant behavior is bound to become persona non grata in the school and social settings. These teens have a propensity to picking fights with others and to disregard social norms, making them unpleasant to be around. These behavior traits are features of conduct disorder, a mental health disorder […]
As most parents are aware, their teen’s blue moods are usually transitory. Often, the bouts of sadness are directly connected to a slight, a rumor, a criticism, or unrequited love. Teens are emotionally sensitive by nature, so social issues or academic challenges can easily whipsaw their moods. Moodiness is indeed part and parcel of typical […]
A child’s diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be life-altering for parents. Diagnosis is a mixed blessing, Relief in learning what their child is dealing with and methods of managing it, but sadness that the child may have to deal with ADHD for life. In fact, in one-third of children diagnosed, ADHD persists […]
It has never been more challenging to raise teenagers. Teens are exposed to things that their parents may try valiantly to protect them from, but often feel hamstrung in their efforts. The proliferation of social media no only introduces them to unhealthy or risky online “challenges,” but also promote the use of drugs and alcohol. […]
Everyone has experienced that rush of adrenaline that accompanies a situation that evokes feelings of fear. For some individuals, the body immediately goes into panic mode, with symptoms of shaking, sweating, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations that resemble an ensuing heart attack. These events are referred to as panic attacks, […]
Teens have historically gravitated towards pushing boundaries. Experimenting with drugs and alcohol is also not a new development among teenagers. What is new is the clinical research and brain imaging studies that have shed light on the differences between the adult brain and the teen brain, and how those differences impact decision-making, impulsivity, and the […]
Teen girls struggle with a mental health disorder, especially mood disorders, at double the rate as boys, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Teenage girl mental illness tends to appear most in depressive disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harming behaviors. Other types of mental illness, such as borderline personality disorder and bipolar […]
When it comes to teen depression, most of the attention about this serious mental health disorder has been directed towards girls. While true that girl teens struggle with depression in greater numbers than boys, boys are more inclined to choose an impulsive solution for the disorder, including suicide. Among teens that do complete suicide, the […]
What happened? One day your kid was sweet and accommodating and the next he or she suddenly morphed into a surly, snotty, rebellious brat. Well, the good news is that in most cases, this too shall pass. The bad news is that, if not managed right, the bad behavior can escalate to the point where […]
All parents want their kids to be happy and confident and able to function normally in most situations. Of course as adults we all remember the horror of having to stand before the class and deliver a book report, recite a poem, or try out for choir, cheerleading, or a sport. We know full well […]
