Common mental health diagnoses among adolescents include:
1. **Anxiety Disorders**: This includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Adolescents may experience excessive worry, fear, and avoidance behaviors.
2. **Depressive Disorders**: Major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) are prevalent, often characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep and appetite.
3. **Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)**: Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can impact academic performance and social interactions.
4. **Conduct Disorder**: This involves a pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or societal norms, including aggression, deceitfulness, and serious rule violations.
5. **Eating Disorders**: Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are common, often linked to body image issues and stress.
6. **Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)**: This can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to symptoms like flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened arousal.
7. **Bipolar Disorder**: Characterized by mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
8. **Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)**: Involves unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety.
9. **Substance Use Disorders**: Early experimentation with drugs or alcohol can lead to misuse and addiction, often co-occurring with other mental health issues.
10. **Adjustment Disorders**: These occur in response to a significant life change or stressor, leading to emotional or behavioral symptoms that may interfere with functioning.
Early identification and intervention are crucial for effective treatment and support. If you or someone you know is struggling, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional.