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Transcript of Marlene B. Huff PhD, LCSW University of Kentucky Department of Pediatrics Division of Adolescent...
Marlene B. Huff PhD, LCSWUniversity of Kentucky
Department of PediatricsDivision of Adolescent Medicine
Improving Teen Mental Health
Presentation at Tates Creek High School
Lexington, KY
No help =
PainSufferingFailing
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
HELP = Better academic achievement
Less substance abuse
Improved chances for their future
Everyone Can Make a Difference
Every Adult
SchoolStaff Parents
Angry or aggressivebehaviors
Poorconcentration
Increasedtardiness or
absences
WithdrawnWithdrawn
Anxious
Typical?
Troubled?
•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.
TypicalTeens
• Experiencing more than normal developmental challenges, inability to form healthy relationships
• Without treatment, more likely to have serious problems:
• Academic• Relationships• Employment
TroubledTeens
+ environment
What causes mentalhealth disorders?
biology
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• FREQUENT ?– (e.g., student is quiet, withdrawn over multiple days/weeks)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
Mood disorders
Anxiety disorders
Psychotic disorders
Behavioral/disruptive disorders
Teen Mental Health Disorders
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
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
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
OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER•Stubborn, argumentative, hostile
•Major distraction in the classroom
CONDUCT DISORDER•Verbal/physical aggression
•Junior sociopaths
•End up in detention centers
Marked change in school
performance
Inability to cope
Physicalcomplaints
Sexualacting out
Depression
Abuse ofalcohol/drugs
Intense fear of becoming
obese Nightmares
Threat to harm self or others
Self-injury/ Cutting
Frequentoutbursts
Threats torun away
Aggression
Unusualbehavior
Psychiatrists Psychologists
Mental HealthCounselors
Ineffective Coping
• Drugs• Sex• Alcohol• Cutting
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
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
Effective Mental Health Treatment
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Family Therapy
Group Therapy
THERAPY
External Referral Process
When help is needed beyond our school...
NOTICE TALK ACT
Changing a Life’s Course
More Resources for You
• www.healthyminds.org – (American Psychiatric Association)
• Other Resources– www.aacap.org (American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry)
Thank you!