Mental illness in children can be hard for grandparents to identify. As a result, many children who could benefit from treatment don't get the help they need. Understand the warning signs of mental illness in children and how you can help your grandchild cope.
Why is it hard for grandparents to identify mental illness in children?
It's typically up to the adults in a child's life to identify whether the child has a mental health concern. Unfortunately, many grandparents don't know the signs and symptoms of mental illness in children. Even if you know the red flags, it can be difficult to distinguish signs of a problem from normal childhood behaviour. You might reason that every child displays some of these signs at some point. Concerns about the stigma associated with mental illness, the use of certain medications and the cost of treatment might also prevent grandparents from seeking care for a child who has a suspected mental illness.
What mental health conditions affect children?
Children can experience a range of mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety disorders
Children who have anxiety disorders — such as obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder — experience anxiety as a persistent problem that interferes with their daily activities.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
This condition typically includes a combination of issues, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.
Autism Autism
Thisis one of a group of serious developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders that appear in early childhood — usually before age 3. Though symptoms and severity vary, all autism disorders affect a child's ability to communicate and interact with others.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders suchas anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder — are serious conditions. Children can become so preoccupied with food and weight that they focus on little else.
Mood disorders
Mood disorders — such as depression and bipolar disorder — can cause a child to feel persistent feelings of sadness or extreme mood swings.
Schizophrenia
This chronic mental illness causes a child to lose touch with reality (psychosis).
What are the warning signs of mental illness in children?
Warning signs that your grandchild might have a mental health condition include:
Mood changes
Look for feelings of sadness or withdrawal that last at least two weeks or severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships at home or school.
Intense feelings
Be aware of feelings of overwhelming fear for no reason — sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing — or worries or fears intense enough to interfere with daily activities.
Behaviour changes
This includes drastic changes in behaviour or personality, as well as dangerous or out-of-control behaviour. Fighting frequently, using weapons or expressing a desire to badly hurt others also are warning signs.
Difficulty concentrating
Look for signs of trouble focusing or sitting still, both of which might lead to poor performance in school.
Unexplained weight loss
A sudden loss of appetite, frequent vomiting or use of laxatives might indicate an eating disorder.
Physical harm
Sometimes a mental health condition leads to suicidal thoughts or actual attempts at self-harm or suicide.
Substance abuse
Some kids use drugs or alcohol to try to cope with their feelings.
What should I do if I suspect my grandchild has a mental health condition?
If you're concerned about your grandchild's mental health, consult your grandchild’s doctor. Describe the behaviour that concerns you. Consider talking to your grandchild's teacher, close friends or loved ones, or other caregivers to see if they've noticed any changes in your grandchild's behaviour. Share this information with your grandchild’s doctor, too.
How do health care providers diagnose mental illness in children?
Mental health conditions in children are diagnosed and treated based on signs and symptoms and how the condition affects a child's daily life. There are no simple tests to determine if something is wrong. To make a diagnosis, your grandchild’s doctor might recommend that your grandchild be evaluated by a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, mental health counsellor or behavioural therapist. Your grandchild’s doctor or mental health provider will work with your grandchild to determine if he or she has a mental health condition based on criteria in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) — a guide published by the American Psychiatric Association that explains the signs and symptoms that mark mental health conditions.
Your grandchild’s doctor or mental health provider will also look for other possible causes for your grandchild's behaviour, such as a history of medical conditions or trauma. He or she might ask you questions about your grandchild's development, how long your grandchild has been behaving this way, teachers' or caregivers' perceptions of the problem, and any family history of mental health conditions.
Diagnosing mental illness in children can be difficult because young children often have trouble expressing their feelings and normal development varies from child to child. Despite these challenges, a proper diagnosis is an essential part of guiding treatment.
How is mental illness in children treated?
Common treatment options for children who have mental health conditions include:
Psychotherapy Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or behavioural therapy, is a way to address mental health concerns by talking with a psychologist or other mental health provider. During psychotherapy, a child might learn about his or her condition, moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. Psychotherapy can help a child learn how to respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills.
Medication Your grandchild’s doctor or mental health provider might recommend that your grandchild take certain medications — such as stimulants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers — to treat his or her mental health condition.
Some children benefit from a combination of approaches. Consult your grandchild’s doctor or mental health provider to determine what might work best for your grandchild, including the risks or benefits of specific medications.
How can I help my child cope with mental illness?
Your grandchild needs your support now more than ever. Before a child is diagnosed with a mental health condition, grandparents and children commonly experience feelings of helplessness, anger and frustration. Ask your grandchild's mental health provider for advice on how to change the way you interact with your grandchild, as well as how to handle difficult behaviour. Seek ways to relax and have fun with your grandchild. Praise his or her strengths and abilities. Explore new stress management techniques, which might help you understand how to calmly respond to stressful situations. Consider seeking family counselling or the help of support groups, too. It's important for you and your loved ones to understand your grandchild's illness and his or her feelings, as well as what all of you can do to help your grandchild.
To help your grandchild succeed in school, inform your grandchild's teachers and the school counsellor that your grandchild has a mental health condition. If necessary, work with the school staff to develop an academic plan that meets your grandchild's needs.
If you're concerned about your grandchild's mental health, seek advice. Don't avoid getting help for your grandchild out of shame or fear. With appropriate support, you can find out whether your grandchild has a mental health condition and explore treatment options to help him or her thrive.
