Forms and Causes of Childhood Disorders

Childhood is one of the most transformational times in a human being’s life, where physical, emotional, and cognitive development often seems to happen all at once. In many cases, mental challenges can start to show themselves during the development phase. These challenges can mold a child’s life experiences and possibly even impact their future if not treated.

Children must be given the right kind of support to promote their resilience and live up to their full potential and capability. Having an understanding of the different types and causes of childhood disorders is crucial and can play a massive role in the detection, intervention, and management of these disorders.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children

These disorders primarily affect how the brain develops and functions. This influences behavior, learning, and social interactions. Early detection is vital to help these children live happy and fulfilling lives. It should be noted, however, that these disorders usually appear in early childhood and may continue throughout their life ^[1].

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

One of the most known childhood disorders, which affects 6-9% of school-going children worldwide, is ADHD. It is noticed as a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior that intercedes with functioning and development.

Symptoms: ADHD symptoms include difficulty focusing during tasks, losing items often, a lack of organizational skills, restlessness, and excessive talking. Children may interrupt conversations or act without thinking about the consequences.

Effective ADHD management strategies include behavioral therapy, parent training programs, classroom accommodations, and when needed, medication such as stimulants or non-stimulant alternatives ^[2].

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD presents in many different ways and on a wide scale. Some children are seen to present with difficult challenges, while others only need minimal support. ASD is described as a developmental condition that is very complex. It affects how children communicate, their social interactions, and their behavior.

Symptoms: Children with this condition tend to have specific interests and will dive head-first into them. They also have increased sensitivity to sensory intakes. Children with this disorder may also avoid eye contact, engage in repetitive behaviors (such as hand flapping), and battle to understand social cues.

Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health therapy are some interventions that can assist children with ASD to cultivate the skills needed to better their quality of life.^[3].

Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities affect academic merit regardless of normal intelligence levels. Some examples would be dyslexia (reading difficulty), dyscalculia (difficulty with math), and dysgraphia (writing difficulties).

Symptoms: Children with learning disabilities may read at a slower pace, battle with basic arithmetic, or struggle to form coherent written sentences.

Specialized instruction, tutors, and assistive technology have helped children with learning disabilities to achieve academic accomplishments.

Behavioral Disorders in Children

These disorders must be addressed. If left unattended, they can cause tense interpersonal connections and obstruct a child’s social development. The symptoms can be described as patterns of inappropriate or disruptive behavior that largely affect daily life.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Around 3% of children are affected by ODD and it is known to cause chronic defiance, irritability, and contentious behavior to authority ^[4].

Symptoms: ODD children may have frequent arguments with parents or teachers, avoid following rules, and annoy others on purpose. This then interferes with both their home and school environments.

Mediation of ODD involves child-parent interaction therapy, social-emotional skill-building, and routines with structure.

Conduct Disorder (CD)

This is characterized by more serious behavioral issues, such as aggression, deceitfulness, and non-following of the rules. Young adults are more affected than younger children.

Symptoms: Children who are born with this disorder are known to present signs of physical aggression, bullying, stealing, and, in some cases, property damage. They often lack empathy and have little remorse for their actions.

Treatment of conduct disorder normally requires a combination of counseling, family-based therapy, and intervention from teachers and schools.

Anxiety Disorders in Children

Up to 7% of the world’s population is made up of children who suffer from mild to debilitating anxiety disorders. This affects their ability to be a part of normal activities ^[5].

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is more common among younger children. These children suffer from an extreme fear of being separated from their parents or caregivers.

Symptoms: Children with this disorder often complain about physical symptoms such as headaches and nausea when they think about being separated from their main support system. They are also extremely clingy and prefer to avoid school if given the chance to.

Social Anxiety Disorder

This disorder is more commonly seen in younger adults, who have a fear of being judged and humiliated when they are out in public.

Symptoms: The symptoms of social anxiety disorder include struggling to form meaningful relationships with others combined with extreme bouts of anxiety and self-consciousness.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Children who suffer from GAD generally tend to worry about all aspects of their lives. This can include their academics, well-being, social circles, and family relationships.

Symptoms: Children with GAD exhibit signs of irritability and often come across as fidgety and irritable. Additionally, they have trouble sleeping and or experience muscle tension.

In extreme cases of anxiety, medication can be used to help relieve some of the symptoms. Other treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and being taught mindfulness techniques.

Mood Disorders in Children

Children with mood disorders battle to manage everyday tasks, relationships, school, or any other situation that may affect their emotional state.

Depression

Children who suffer from depression go through long periods of sadness or irritability, often combined with extreme feelings of worthlessness.

Symptoms: Children with depression often start to lose interest in all the activities that they once used to enjoy and take part in. They also shy away from social gatherings, have trouble sleeping, and exhibit changes in appetite. In extreme cases, they may even have suicidal thoughts.

Bipolar Disorder

While bipolar disorder is more commonly seen in adults, children may begin to show early symptoms. Bipolar disorder causes intense mood swings, manic episodes, and depression.

Symptoms: Symptoms include impulsiveness, bad decision-making skills, extreme sadness, and fatigue. This is followed by sudden bursts of energy and euphoria before entering back into a depressive state.

Treatment of mood disorders usually involves therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medication to help alleviate any physical and emotional symptoms.

What Causes Childhood Disorders?

The question that parents and caregivers often ask is what causes these disorders in children. However, there are many factors that come into play. Let’s take a deeper look at each:

Genetic Influences

Unfortunately, genetics can be a cause of several anxious and depressive disorders, and a child has a higher risk of developing any one of them if there is a history of mental illness in the family.

Environmental Factors

Poverty, limited access to healthcare services, negative social interactions like bullying, and traumatic childhood experiences can be a contributor to childhood disorders.

Family Dynamics

Family dynamics can also be a potential cause. This includes situations of neglect, sporadic discipline, or a history of family abuse. This is especially true if a child is witness to one of their parent’s mental health problems.

Biological and Prenatal Factors

Expectant mothers who experiment with drug use or have stress during their pregnancy are more likely to give birth to children with a mental health condition. However, they can also be caused by childbirth and labor complications that can affect the development of the brain.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Disorders

Parents and caregivers must look out for any warning signs that may point toward childhood disorders in their children. The sooner these symptoms are recognized, the sooner they can look for professional help. These include:

• Mood swings and irritability.
• Children who battle to concentrate or complete simple tasks.
• Avoidance of friends and family.
• Physical complaints such as headache and stomach pains without any medical reason.
• A decline in academic performance or refusal to go to school.

Diagnosing Childhood Disorders

Several assessments need to be done in order to diagnose childhood disorders. These assessments form part of a comprehensive approach, and include:

• Observation: Parents, teachers, and caregivers need to observe the child so that they can give health professionals information on the child’s behavior both at home and at school.
• Psychological Testing: Standard questionnaires are often used to assess the child’s emotional and cognitive function.
• Medical Evaluation: Before a diagnosis can be given, children need to undergo a physical examination to rule out any underlying health problems.
• Collaboration: Collaboration between families, teachers, and mental health practitioners is needed to better understand and determine the needs of the child.

Treating Childhood Disorders

Each child is unique, and treatment will depend on their individual needs. Treatment plans often include the following:

• Therapy: Both individual therapy and family therapy can be used to help the child and their family understand their emotional and behavioral struggles. A common therapeutic intervention that is recommended is cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Medication: Medication may be used to help manage hyperactivity, anxiety, or depression.
• Structure: Children will be given coping mechanisms that include routine, skill building, and positive reinforcement.

How to Support Children with Mental Health Disorders

At Home:

• Listen closely to your child and encourage open communication so that they feel comfortable telling you how they are feeling.
• Parents and caregivers need to keep their child’s routines as predictable and consistent as possible. This helps to set expectations and allows the child to feel more secure.
• A healthy diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep are essential to promoting the mental health of children. Parents need to ensure that these needs are being consistently met.

At School:

• Teachers need to regularly assess the child’s behavioral and academic needs. This can be done by using IEPs and 504 plans ^[6].
• It is vital that teachers are made aware of mental health struggles in children. This helps them to recognize when their students may need extra support.

In the Community:

• Communities are able to offer families access to a number of resources and support groups for children struggling with mental health challenges.
• Communities should advocate for awareness and the importance of recognizing and treating children with mental health issues.

Final Thoughts

Parents, caregivers, and teachers can play a direct role in helping children overcome the obstacles that are often associated with mental health issues. Early detection, support, and management have the potential to enable these children to meet their full potential. This collaboration can ensure that every child is allowed to blossom, regardless of the struggles they endure.