Perhaps even more importantly, teenage self-esteem affects decisions involving risky behaviors such as drug use or engaging in sexual activities. A youth with high self-esteem is more likely to resist peer pressure. And finally, low self-esteem can lead to depression, which if it becomes severe enough could lead to thoughts of suicide. To put it another way, low self-esteem in teens is not something to be taken lightly. In the teen years especially people need to feel valued and loved.

Fortunately there are ways you can help the young person in your life develop and maintain their self-esteem and enable them to enjoy this exciting time in their lives.

How self-esteem affects us

Self-esteem refers to how a person feels about him or herself, and also how they think others view them. How we feel about ourselves can influence whether we see our lives and the world in general in a positive or negative light. Lets say two middle school students are getting ready to take a very important math test, and neither excels at math. One of the students has healthy self-esteem and might be thinking to himself, “Well, it’s not my best subject but there are a lot of other things I do well. I’m going to do my best and then move on to something I’m really good at like art.” The other student with low self-esteem could be setting himself up for failure with negative thoughts like, “Why even bother? I know I’m terrible at math. I can’t do anything right.”

People with healthy self-esteem can take pride in their accomplishments and deal with the occasional failure without letting it affect their total image of themselves as a person.

 Self-esteem problems: causes and solutions

A young person, or anyone for that matter, can have a damaged self-esteem if they are constantly criticized or put down. But the negative thoughts can also come from within as a result of a person’s unrealistic expectations for themselves.

Teens are especially concerned with how others see them and how they compare to other young people they see on television and in movies. This can lead to thoughts that they are not attractive enough, thin enough, athletic enough, etc. Sometimes a nagging inner voice can constantly tell them they are just not good enough.

A few factors that may contribute to teenage low self-esteem:

• Appearance
• Peers
• Parents
• Unrealistic expectations

Parents can help their teen overcome poor self-esteem issues by remembering to say at least one positive thing for every negative comment. You can help your youth take pride in their appearance by helping them pick out clothes or exercising together. Focus on your child’s effort more than their successes or failures. Monitor their friendships if you can. Encourage your teenager to spend time with people who make them feel good and don’t put them down.

It is never too late to mend damaged self-esteem. With encouragement and support you can help your child prepare for adulthood with a healthy self-esteem that will enable them to be successful in whatever they do.

Sources

www.famillyfirstaid.org

www.kidshealth.org

Statistics and Trends

According to research from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, nearly one in five teens has tried prescription medication to get high, and one in 10 report abusing cough medicine to get high. The research also found that parents were unaware of their children’s abuse of medications. Three out of five parents reported discussing drugs like marijuana with their children, while only a third of parents reported discussing the use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Marijuana is still the most commonly used illegal drug among young people. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 40% of teens have tried marijuana one or more times and 22% currently use it. Gender seems to play a role in adolescent drug use, with more males than females using illegal drugs.

Drugs abused by teens in order of the most common are:

• Marijuana, the most common illegal drug used by teens is smoked and can cause mood swings, anxiety and depression in the short term and memory problems in the long term.
• Prescription Opiates (painkillers) such as hydrocodone, Vicodin and Oxycontin, as well as non-prescription medicines such as cough syrup and cold pills, are among the drugs abused.
• Methamphetamine (meth, crank or speed) is an illegal drug that is highly addictive and can cause seizures, stroke, mental problems and long-term health issues.
• Club drugs such as ecstasy (MDMA) or Rohypnol are illegal drugs often used at all night events and can cause depression, sleep problems and anxiety in the short term and liver problems and memory problems in the long term.
• Sedatives and tranquilizers, like Valium or Xanax, are prescription medications that come in tablets, capsules and liquid form. They can cause poor judgment and slowed reflexes.
• Cocaine is an illegal drug. Its use can result in heart attack, seizure or stroke.
• Hallucinogens (LSD or PCP) are illegal drugs that can cause hallucinations and flashbacks.
• Inhalants, including glues, aerosol sprays, gasoline, paint and paint thinner are extremely dangerous and can cause brain damage or death.
• Steroids are used by some teens to build muscle and decrease fat, and can cause irritability and rage along with long-term health problems.
• Heroin is an illegal synthetic opiate drug that is highly addictive. It can be injected, snorted or smoked, and causes damage to many of the body’s main organs.

Signs and Symptoms

Parents are the first line of defense in combating drug use and abuse in young people because they know their children best. A 2007 study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that many parents are aware of and can accurately evaluate their teenager’s substance abuse.

During a six-month reporting period, 86% of parents involved in the study accurately evaluated the presence of teen alcohol use and 86% accurately reported the presence of teen marijuana use.  Perhaps this indicates that parents should follow the old adage, “If you think something is wrong, you are probably right.” However, the study found that parents were less aware the younger their child was, suggesting that parents need to be carefully monitoring their children for signs of substance abuse at a much younger age.

Below are some signs that your child might be involved with drugs, some indicators that they might have the potential for addiction, and some tips for how to communicate about this difficult issue.

 Signs that your child might be experimenting with or abusing drugs:

• Complaining of being tired or sleeping a lot
• Loss of interest in school or a drop in grades
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Suddenly spending a lot of time with new friends
• Red eyes or health complaints
• Use of over-the-counter eye drops
• Having chemical-soaked rags or papers
• Having drug paraphernalia
• Medications or valuables missing from your home
• Being disrespectful or defensive
• A sudden change in weight or appearance
• Borrowing money

Red flags of addiction or a potential for addiction in your youth:

•  A history of extended family members having problems with drug abuse or other compulsive behavior
• A pattern of anger or depression
• Continued drug use even after negative consequences

Whether or not you suspect there is a problem, it is always a good idea to be communicating with your child about drugs. Some children report that they feel pressure to use drugs as early as elementary school. Start the conversation before there is a problem, but if you think it is already happening, don’t wait to talk about it. Here are some tips for the conversation and beyond:

• Trust your instincts. If you feel something is wrong, it probably is.
• Find a safe, private time to talk.
• Be open-minded, not judgmental or angry.
• Talk in a practical way about the very real long-term health problems and legal consequences of drug abuse.
• If your child is resistant to talking, direct them to one of the many informative online sources that speak directly to teens. See list below.
• Keep your teen busy with meaningful activities.
• Praise your child for little things they do well.
• Monitor their friends and keep track of how they are spending their time.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you feel your child needs professional help or treatment for drug abuse or addiction, don’t wait. Seek help from a pediatrician or mental health professional. The type of treatment a person needs depends on the level of substance abuse involved. If your child has tried drugs a few times, talking may be all that is needed. However if he or she is addicted, detoxification treatment may be necessary. See the Professional/Program page for assistance.

Information about drugs for kids, parents and teachers

http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drnida/drnida_general1.php

Specific information about the abuse of cough medicines can be found at:

For parents: www.drugfree.org/Parent

For teens: www.dxmstories.com

Sources

http://members.kaiserpermanente.org

www.samhsa.org

www.familyfirstaid.org

www.sciencedaily.com

During adolescence the body’s internal biological clock changes causing teens to naturally fall asleep later at night and wake up later in the morning. Sometimes this change in the cycle of sleep is so severe that it affects daily functioning. If this is the case, a diagnosis of delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) may be made.

Statistics and Trends

According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) causes a misalignment between a person’s sleep pattern and the sleep pattern that is desired. The person cannot sleep when sleep is desired, needed or expected.

Changes to sleep patterns are normal in adolescence, but DSPS is a chronic disorder of sleep timing that affects certain youth. It shows up most commonly in adolescence, although childhood cases have been reported. Studies have shown that as many as 7% of adolescents have DSPS, with it affecting more boys than girls.

It is not known what the specific cause of DSPS is but it tends to run in families. About half of people with DSPS also suffer from depression. Experts are not sure if DSPS causes depression or if there is a chemical relationship between the two. However it is known that DSPS is not merely a symptom of depression but can exist on its own.

Signs and Symptoms

When a teen has Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome sleep is delayed by two or more hours past the desired bedtime causing difficulty waking up at the desired time. People with DSPS usually try various methods of going to sleep earlier, such as relaxation techniques or sleeping pills. If they keep a sleep log it usually shows a pattern of going to sleep during the week later than 2a.m. and sleeping in on weekends or taking naps during the day.

Symptoms of DSPS include more than three months of:

• Complaining of not being able to sleep (insomnia)
• Excessive sleepiness
• Inability to fall asleep at night
• Inability to wake up in the morning
• Depression

Diagnoses and Treatment Trends

Because the Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome is most common in adolescence, it is usually parents who seek help after a prolonged period of time not being able to wake their teen up for school and not having any success with routines and home remedies.

DSPS did not become a formal sleep disorder until the 1980’s, and still today it often goes untreated or is misdiagnosed as insomnia. A misconception is that youth with DSPS can simply force themselves to go to sleep earlier. The disorder is often mistaken for a willful behavior such as rebelling against rules or trying to avoid school. Teens with DSPS may be seen as lazy and parents blamed for not establishing sleep routines at home. Students may be chronically late or absent from school and are more likely to struggle, have low grades or even drop out.

Treatment for DSPS can include treating underlying causes (depression, anxiety) with medication, improving sleep habits, or using one of the following therapies:

•  Light Therapy (Phototherapy) is the use of a special light box or sunlight in the morning.
• Chronotherapy is attempting to reset the biological clock by going to bed two or more hours later each day for several days.
• Melatonin is an herbal medication that is taken an hour or so before bedtime to induce sleepiness.

www.sleepdisorderhelp.com offers a parent screening for sleep disorders.

Sources

www.stanford.edu

http://en.wikipedia.org

www.sleepdisorderhelp.com

Signs and Symptoms

Having insomnia can cause all kinds of problems during the day, including extreme sleepiness, lack of energy, depression, irritability, trouble paying attention and learning problems.  Secondary insomnia can be caused by:

• Technology (cell phones, texting, video games, computer and television usage)
• An illness or chronic pain
• Medication side effects
• Caffeine, tobacco or alcohol
• Another sleep disorder, such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea
• A poor sleep environment
• A change in sleep routine

Insomnia can be mild or severe. Chronic insomnia means it last a long period of time (at least three nights a week for more than a month).

Diagnoses and Treatment

Secondary insomnia often resolves on its own when the cause has been eliminated. For example, when your child stops taking a certain medication, avoids watching TV, playing video games or ceases computer (any technology) related activities at least 30 minutes prior to bed-time.

Because sleep deprivation and depression have a number of symptoms in common, a medical professional should evaluate any youth with sleep problems to make sure they are not suffering from depression. A medical professional or sleep specialist can rule out underlying causes (substance abuse, depression, or another illness or disorder) and treat primary insomnia if the cause is unclear.

Health care professionals may treat chronic insomnia with sedatives or antidepressants, along with behavioral techniques to promote regular sleep.

Sources

www.nhlbi.nih.gov

www.cdc.gov

www.sleepdisorderhelp.com

The teenage years should be a time of excitement and hope. In contrast, the definition of hopelessness is “having no expectation of good or success” or being “incapable of redemption or improvement.”

Hopelessness is a feeling that nothing will ever improve, and in those with a mental condition like depression, it can be a feeling that dying would be better than living. Most experts agree that hopelessness is a strong predictor of suicide. In fact, many studies have shown that individuals who express feelings of hopelessness are significantly more likely to attempt suicide.

Teen feelings of hopelessness are often expressed with statements such as:

• I will never be happy.
• I just want to give up.
• There is no point in trying.
• I have nothing to look forward to.
• It’s not worth it.
• I give up.

The bottom line is that any youth expressing feelings of hopelessness should be taken seriously. They may be suffering from depression or another disorder, and are in need of treatment or professional help.

Sources

www.nim.nih.gov

Conduct disorder is difficult to define. It refers to a group of behavioral and emotional problems in children and adolescents. Unfortunately, young people with this disorder are often viewed as “bad” or “troublemakers” instead of being seen as having a mental health problem.

Statistics and Trends

The exact number of youth affected by conduct disorder is not known, but according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it is probably between 1 and 4 percent of 9-to-17-year-olds in the United States. The disorder seems to be more common in boys than girls.

Another disorder called Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is thought to be a precursor of conduct disorder. In other words, some people who exhibit signs of ODD as a young child go on to develop conduct disorder when they get older. Although conduct disorder usually develops and is diagnosed in older children, some research has shown that some infants who appear especially fussy, are victims of neglect or abuse, or are born into poverty, among other factors, are more likely to develop a conduct disorder.

The exact cause of conduct disorder is unknown, but some of the factors that might contribute to the development of the disorder are brain damage, child abuse, genetic or biological factors, school failure and other traumatic life experiences.

Signs and Symptoms

Young people with conduct disorder have a lot of difficulty following rules and behaving in an acceptable way. They show a pattern of violating personal or property rights of others for a six month period or longer.

Symptoms of conduct disorder include:

• Aggressive behavior
• Causing harm to other people or animals
• Lying
• Stealing
• Destruction of property (vandalism)
• Serious violations of rules at school or home (runs away from home or skips school)
• Early substance abuse
• Early sexual activity

Diagnosis and Treatment

Children and teens exhibiting any of the behaviors associated with conduct disorder should receive a comprehensive medical evaluation by a professional. They may also be dealing with other conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, impulse problems or depression. Treatment, including medication, for these conditions may be needed.

Treating conduct disorder usually requires behavior therapy and psychotherapy to help a young person learn to express and control anger. Parent training in management techniques may also be helpful. Treatment for conduct disorder is a long-term process and can be challenging.

What Parents Can Do

Children and teens with conduct disorder often experience higher rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, injuries, trouble with the law, problems in school, trouble making friends, and sexually transmitted diseases. In order to try to avoid these ongoing problems, families need to seek help early. Without treatment these problems will most likely continue into adulthood. Despite the difficulty in treating this disorder, the earlier it is identified and treated the better the chance for success.

Parents should pay careful attention to the signs, talk with a mental health professional, and get as much accurate information about the disorder as possible. One source of information is http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov. This government organization offers free and easy to read fact sheets on a variety of children’s mental health disorders.

Sources

www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov

www.aacap.org

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that affects the way the brain functions. It is sometimes called manic depression, manic-depressive disorder, manic-depressive illness, bipolar mood disorder or bipolar affective disorder.

A teen with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of mania and episodes of depression. Mania is an intense high characterized by feeling very happy. While depression is an intense low characterized by feeling sad or down. These emotions are much more powerful than the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through. Sometimes a youth can experience a “mixed” episode where they have both manic and depressive symptoms. Youth and teens are more likely to experience mixed episodes than adults.

Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Teens

During a manic episode teens may:

• Act unusually silly
• Be short-tempered
• Talk very fast
• Not feel tired
• Have trouble focusing
• Talk about sex
• Take risks

During a depressive episode teens may:

• Seem unusually sad
• Complain of a stomachache or headache
• Sleep a lot or not enough
• Feel guilty or down on themselves
• Eat too little or too much
• Have very little energy
• Show little interest in activities
• Think about death or suicide

Diagnosis and Treatment Trends

There is no specific test for bipolar disorder. Instead a medical professional will evaluate mood, sleeping patterns, energy level and behaviors of your youth. Once diagnosed, young people with bipolar disorder are treated in much the same way as adults.

Teens can take a Bipolar self-assessment here:

http://www.thehealthcenter.info/selftest.php?id=13

Ongoing treatment can help control symptoms. Bipolar disorder is a life-long condition, and it is usually treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Sometimes more than one medication is used at a time. Often medication needs to be adjusted as symptoms change. Psychotherapy can help teens manage their behavior and get along better with family and friends.

Parents Can Help

If you think your teen has bipolar disorder, the most important step you can take is to seek professional help for them. There are other things you can consider:

• Be as patient and understanding as possible.
• Help your child to understand that he/she did nothing to cause this.
• Really listen to the symptoms they describe.
• Keep track of your child’s moods. Keep a chart so that you can see if there is any pattern and tell if treatment is working.
• Keep your own stress level down.

Related Articles

Teen Depression

Anxiety Disorder

Substance Abuse

ADD/ADHD

More Information

Find a professional here

Find a program here

Sources

www.nimh.nih.gov

www.kidshealth.org

ODD is defined as a pattern of disobedient, hostile and defiant behavior toward authority figures. So how can you tell if your teen is simply having an “off day” or if they are suffering from ODD? With ODD, the uncooperative behavior is frequent and consistent. It stands out when compared to peers and it greatly affects life at home and at school.

Statistics and Trends

Experts disagree on the number of children affected by ODD, but it is probably somewhere between 10% and 20% of school-age children.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder can co-exist with other disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, mood disorders, depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. Some of these disorders can cause similar behavior problems.

Some children with ODD will go on to develop a conduct disorder later in life. Although ODD can be diagnosed as early as preschool, conduct disorder generally shows up in older children, teens and adults. Some signs and symptoms of the two disorders are similar.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of ODD usually appear before the age of eight, and more boys are affected than girls. Although the cause of the disorder is unknown, some combination of genetic and environmental factors are probably involved. Symptoms can usually be observed in more than one setting, for example at school and at home. Some symptoms of ODD are:

• Loses temper easily and frequently
• Argues with adults and does not follow their requests
• Deliberate attempts to annoy or upset others
• Blames own mistakes on others
• Irritable and easily annoyed by others
• Talking in a mean or hateful way
• Angry and resentful of others
• Seeks revenge
• Has few friends
• Frequently in trouble at school

Diagnosis and Treatment

ODD is most often diagnosed in young children. In order for a youth to be diagnosed with ODD, the pattern of defiant behavior must have lasted at least six months.

A comprehensive evaluation by a medical or mental health professional is necessary. A professional can determine if a teen’s symptoms reflect more than just normal misbehavior. They will take into account if there are any other conditions that need to be treated as well.

What Parents Can Do

• Be consistent and fair with rules and consequences.
• Model appropriate behaviors.
• Praise your child when he/she cooperates.
• Try not to have confrontations or argue with your child.
• Model taking “time outs’ and encourage your child to use this technique

Treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder can include parent training, individual or family therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy and social skills training. Medication might be used in the cases where ADHD or Depression is also present.

Sources

www.aacap.org

www.nlm.nih.gov

Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that cause excessive amounts of fear, nervousness, worry or dread. A person is diagnosed when strong anxiety occurs frequently, seems out of proportion to the situation, and affects daily life and happiness. There are six recognized types:

• Generalized anxiety. Excessive worrying about things. Expecting the worst to happen.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Characterized by obsessions (bad thoughts) and compulsions (actions to make the bad thoughts go away).
• Phobias. Intense fears of specific situations or things.
• Social phobia (social anxiety). Intense anxiety triggered by social situations.
• Panic attacks. Episodes of intense fear that occur for seemingly no reason causing pounding heart, shortness of breath and dizziness.
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anxiety related to a past traumatic event. May include flashbacks and nightmares.

Who gets anxiety disorders and why?

These disorders are very common—about 25% of people in the United States experience anxiety disorders at some point in their lives. Anxiety disorders are twice as likely to occur in women and tend to appear or worsen during the teenage years.

The two types most common in teens are generalized anxiety and social anxiety, although panic disorder can occur in adolescence as well. About 13% of teens have high enough anxiety to warrant medical treatment.

Anyone, of any age, can suffer from an anxiety disorder. Sometimes the disorder is “set off” by a traumatic or stressful event, but they can also develop without a specific event as a precursor. Children with parents who are anxious are more likely to develop a disorder themselves.

What are the signs?

Because anxiety presents itself differently in different people, it is difficult to define a comprehensive list of symptoms. But here are a few signs that someone might be experiencing too much anxiety:

• Feeling (or acting) anxious, worried or afraid for no reason at all.
• Worrying about everyday events or activities.
• Constantly checking and rechecking if something is right.
• Getting panicky in certain situations (test taking, social situations).
• Talking excessively about fears and worries.

Keep in mind that anxiety and depression are often connected and it is common for people to be affected by both. Your teen may be experiencing the debilitating affects of more than one condition, causing the signs and symptoms to present differently.

Is there treatment?

The good news is that medical professionals understand anxiety better than ever, and there are many effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Here are the most common treatments:

• Medication. Several types of prescription medications are available. Medications used to treat depression are often used for anxiety disorders. Specific anti-anxiety drugs are also used, and new medications are being developed all the time.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). A therapist can help someone with anxiety discover what types of thoughts and situations cause anxiety and work to reduce it.

What can parents do to help?

• Talk to your teen and ask them to describe specifically the anxiety they are experiencing.
• Get a medical check up to rule out a physical cause for the symptoms.
• Get a referral to a medical professional experienced in treating anxiety in teenagers.
• Make sure your child is getting regular exercise, good nutrition and enough sleep.
• Help your teen start a relaxation program, such as deep breathing, listening to calming music or yoga.

Related Articles

More Information

Sources

www.sciencedaily.com

www.adaa.org

www.webmd.com

www.kidshealth.org