Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. During this period, teenagers are particularly vulnerable to mental health disorders due to the combination of hormonal fluctuations, social pressures, and evolving self-identity. PRAGMA-best neurology hospital has the best medical team who are committed to provide quality care to the patients. Here’s a comprehensive overview of common mental health disorders in teenagers.

1. Anxiety Disorders:

Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) about a number of events or activities. The intensity, duration, or frequency of the anxiety and worry is out of proportion to the actual likelihood or effect of the anticipated event. The individual finds it difficult to control the worry and to keep worrisome thoughts from interfering with attention to tasks at hand. This disorder involves intense fear and avoidance of social situations due to fears of being judged or embarrassed. Symptoms may include extreme shyness, physical symptoms like blushing or sweating, and avoidance of social events.

2. Mood Disorders:

• Depression- Teen depression often manifests as persistent sadness, irritability, or a loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed. Symptoms can include changes in sleep and appetite, feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, and thoughts of death or suicide.
• Bipolar Disorder- This disorder involves extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). During manic episodes, teenagers may experience heightened energy, irritability, and impulsive behaviour. Depressive episodes can mirror those seen in major depression. At PRAGMA you get the best neurology treatment because our doctors excel at explaining diagnosis to patients and their family members, ensuring a clear and appropriate understanding of the illness.

3. Disruptive Behaviour Disorders:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Teenagers with ADHD may exhibit persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms include difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, fidgeting, and trouble organising tasks.
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Characterised by a pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative behaviour, and vindictiveness, teenagers with ODD may frequently challenge authority figures, refuse to comply with rules, and engage in deliberate efforts to annoy others.

4. Eating Disorders:

• Anorexia Nervosa: This disorder involves an extreme preoccupation with weight and body image, leading to severe restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body perception. Symptoms include significant weight loss, preoccupation with food, and excessive exercise.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Teenagers with bulimia experience episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours like vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. Symptoms include fluctuating weight, dental erosion from vomiting, and frequent trips to the bathroom after meals.
• Binge-Eating Disorder: Characterised by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control, guilt, and distress. Unlike bulimia, there are no regular compensatory behaviours such as vomiting.

We at PRAGMA- best neurology hospital have everything from  our seasoned veterans with decades of experience, to our young doctors who bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to patient care.

5. Psychotic Disorders:

Psychotic disorders in teenagers, though less common than other mental health issues, represent a significant concern due to their profound impact on development and daily functioning. These disorders are characterised by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, and emotional regulation, which can severely affect a teenager’s ability to function normally.

• • Schizophrenia: Although less common in teenagers, schizophrenia can begin in late adolescence. Symptoms include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), delusions (false beliefs), disorganised thinking, and impaired functioning. Early onset can significantly impact daily life and development.

• Brief Psychotic Disorder: Brief psychotic disorder is marked by the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms that last for at least one day but less than one month. It may occur in response to a significant stressor or trauma. 

At Pragma Hospitals, our best neurologists hospital in Vanasthalipuram possess exceptional communication skills.In addition to diagnosing neurological illnesses, neurologists are adept at interpreting electrical imaging profiles like CT scans, MRI scans, and EEG scans, enhancing their ability to understand and treat neurological conditions effectively.