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Published byAugust Bell Modified over 10 years ago
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Marlene B. Huff PhD, LCSW University of Kentucky Department of Pediatrics Division of Adolescent Medicine
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Improving Teen Mental Health Presentation at Tates Creek High School Lexington, KY
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No help = Pain Suffering Failing
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At least 1 in 5 children and adolescents has a mental health disorder 1 in 10 has a serious disorder 90% of people who develop a mental disorder show warning signs during their teen years
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HELP = Better academic achievement Less substance abuse Improved chances for their future
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Everyone Can Make a Difference Every Adult School Staff Parents
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Angry or aggressive behaviors
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Poor concentration
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Increased tardiness or absences
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Withdrawn
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Anxious
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Typical? Troubled?
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Complex period of rapid change, transition Challenges: fitting in, defining identity, competing demands (school, home) Sometimes - other home issues (divorce, violence or substance abuse) Bottom line: May display alterations of mood, distressing thoughts, anxiety, and impulsive behavior. Typical Teens
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Experiencing more than normal developmental challenges, inability to form healthy relationships Without treatment, more likely to have serious problems: Academic Relationships Employment Troubled Teens
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+ environment What causes mental health disorders? biology
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As you NOTICE signs, ask yourself, are they: FREQUENT ? – (e.g., student is quiet, withdrawn over multiple days/weeks) EXTREME ? – (e.g., violent outburst, aggressive behavior) If either: TALK with student ACT by communicating what you’ve seen/heard with school MH staff
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Mood disorders Anxiety disorders Psychotic disorders Behavioral/disruptive disorders Teen Mental Health Disorders
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CLINICAL DEPRESSION Deep despair, sadness, crying 1 in 13 teens experience symptoms BIPOLAR DISORDER Extreme changes from happy to sad 1 in 100 teens have it Hard to diagnose, looks like depression
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ANXIETY DISORDERS Overwhelming fear with no cause Risk is greater with family history EATING DISORDERS Unrealistic thoughts about weight 1 in 20 teens suffer; 90% females Untreated it can result in hospitalization or death
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SCHIZOPHRENIA Strange thoughts, unusual behaviors High functioning, then big decline Distrustful, no longer social, voices ADHD Problems paying attention Can seriously impact ability to learn
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OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER Stubborn, argumentative, hostile Major distraction in the classroom CONDUCT DISORDER Verbal/physical aggression Junior sociopaths End up in detention centers
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Marked change in school performance Inability to cope Physical complaints Sexual acting out Depression Abuse of alcohol/ drugs Intense fear of becoming obese Nightmares Threat to harm self or others Self-injury/ Cutting Frequent outbursts Threats to run away Aggression Unusual behavior
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PsychiatristsPsychologists Mental Health Counselors
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Ineffective Coping Drugs Sex Alcohol Cutting
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EFFECTIVE TREATMENT Therapy, Medication – Sometimes combination works best No “silver bullet” or quick fix – timeframe depends on: – Severity of disorder – Temperament of child – Family & school support
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MEDICATION Used to: – Improve daily functioning – Prevent serious symptoms – Enable therapy to be more effective Must be used appropriately and only under care of psychiatrist or other physician
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Effective Mental Health Treatment Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Family Therapy Group Therapy THERAPY
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External Referral Process When help is needed beyond our school...
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NOTICETALKACT
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Changing a Life’s Course
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More Resources for You www.healthyminds.org – (American Psychiatric Association) Other Resources – www.aacap.org (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) www.aacap.org
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Thank you!
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