Psychiatric diseases in children symptoms. What can you do

Mental illnesses are characterized by changes in the consciousness and thinking of the individual. At the same time, a person’s behavior, his perception of the world around him, and emotional reactions to what is happening are significantly disrupted. A list of​ ​common​ ​mental​ ​diseases​ ​with​ ​descriptions illuminates possible reasons the occurrence of pathologies, their main clinical manifestations and methods of therapy.

Agoraphobia

The disease relates to anxiety-phobic disorders. Characterized by fear of open space, public places, crowds of people. Often the phobia is accompanied by autonomic symptoms (tachycardia, sweating, difficulty breathing, chest pain, tremors, etc.). Possible panic attacks, which force the patient to abandon their usual way of life for fear of a recurrence of the attack. Agoraphobia is treated with psychotherapeutic methods and medication.

Alcoholic​ ​dementia

Acts as a complication chronic alcoholism. At the last stage, without therapy it can lead to the death of the patient. The pathology develops gradually with the progression of symptoms. There are memory impairments, including memory failures, isolation, loss intellectual abilities, control of your actions. Without medical care, personality decay, speech, thinking, and consciousness disorders are observed. Treatment is carried out in drug treatment hospitals. Refusal of alcohol is required.

Allotriophagy

A mental disorder in which a person strives to eat inedible things (chalk, dirt, paper, chemicals, etc.). This phenomenon occurs in patients with various mental illnesses (psychopathy, schizophrenia, etc.), sometimes in healthy people(during pregnancy), in children (aged 1-6 years). The causes of the pathology may be a lack of minerals in the body, cultural traditions, or the desire to attract attention. Treatment is carried out using psychotherapy techniques.

Anorexia

A mental disorder resulting from a disruption in the functioning of the food center of the brain. It manifests itself as a pathological desire to lose weight (even at low weight), lack of appetite, and fear of obesity. The patient refuses to eat and uses all sorts of ways to reduce body weight (diet, enemas, inducing vomiting, excessive exercise). Arrhythmias and disturbances are observed menstrual cycle, spasms, weakness and other symptoms. In severe cases, possible irreversible changes in the body and death.

Autism

Childhood mental illness. Characterized by impaired social interaction, motor skills, and speech dysfunctions. Most scientists classify autism as a hereditary​ ​mental ​disease. The diagnosis is made based on observation of the child's behavior. Manifestations of pathology: the patient’s unresponsiveness to speech, instructions from other people, poor visual contact with them, lack of facial expressions, smiles, delayed speech skills, detachment. Methods of speech therapy, behavioral correction, and drug therapy are used for treatment.

White fever

Alcoholic psychosis, manifested by behavioral disturbances, anxiety of the patient, visual, auditory, tactile hallucinations, due to dysfunction metabolic processes in the brain. Delirium is caused by sudden interruption long drinking bout, large single volume of alcohol consumed, low-quality alcohol. The patient has body tremors, heat, pallor of the skin. Treatment is carried out in psychiatric hospital, includes detoxification therapy, taking psychotropic drugs, vitamins, etc.

Alzheimer's disease

Refers to incurable mental illness, characterized by degeneration nervous system, gradual loss mental abilities. Pathology is one of the causes of dementia in older people (over 65 years old). It manifests itself as progressive memory impairment, disorientation, and apathy. In the later stages, hallucinations, loss of independent thinking and motor abilities, and sometimes convulsions are observed. It is possible that disability due to mental illness Alzheimer's will be granted for life.

Pick's disease

A rare​ ​mental​ ​disease with a predominant localization in the frontotemporal lobes of the brain. Clinical manifestations Pathologies go through 3 stages. At the first stage, antisocial behavior is noted (public realization of physiological needs, hypersexuality, etc.), decreased criticism and control of actions, repetition of words and phrases. The second stage is manifested by cognitive dysfunction, loss of reading, writing, counting skills, and sensorimotor aphasia. The third stage is deep dementia (immobility, disorientation), leading to the death of a person.

Bulimia

A mental disorder characterized by uncontrolled excessive food consumption. The patient is focused on food, diets (breakdowns are accompanied by gluttony and guilt), his weight, and suffers from bouts of hunger that cannot be satisfied. In severe forms, there are significant weight fluctuations (5-10 kg up and down), swelling parotid gland, fatigue, tooth loss, irritation in the throat. This mental​ ​disease often occurs​ ​in​ ​adolescents, people under 30 years of age, mainly in women.

Hallucinosis

A mental disorder characterized by the presence of various types of hallucinations in a person without impairment of consciousness. They can be verbal (the patient hears a monologue or dialogue), visual (visions), olfactory (sensation of smells), tactile (the feeling of insects, worms, etc. crawling under the skin or on it). The pathology is caused by exogenous factors (infections, injuries, intoxications), organic brain damage, and schizophrenia.

Dementia

A severe​ ​mental​ ​illness characterized by progressive degradation of cognitive function. There is a gradual loss of memory (up to complete loss), thinking abilities, and speech. Disorientation and loss of control over actions are noted. The occurrence of pathology is typical for elderly people, but is not normal condition aging. Therapy is aimed at slowing down the process of personality disintegration and optimizing cognitive functions.

Depersonalization

According to medical reference books and the international classification of diseases, pathology is classified as a neurotic disorder. The condition is characterized by a violation of self-awareness, alienation of the individual. The patient perceives the world around him, his body, activities, and thinking as unreal, existing autonomously from him. There may be disturbances in taste, hearing, pain sensitivity And so on. Periodic similar sensations are not considered a pathology, however, treatment (medication and psychotherapy) is required for a protracted, persistent state of derealization.

Depression

A serious​ ​mental​ ​illness characterized by depressed mood, lack of joy, positive thinking. In addition to the emotional signs of depression (sadness, despair, guilt, etc.), physiological symptoms are noted (appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, pain, etc. discomfort in the body, digestive dysfunction, fatigue) and behavioral manifestations (passivity, apathy, desire for solitude, alcoholism, etc.). Treatment includes medications and psychotherapy.

Dissociative fugue

An acute mental disorder in which the patient, under the influence of traumatic incidents, suddenly renounces his personality (completely losing memories of it), inventing a new one for himself. The patient's departure from home is necessarily present, while mental abilities, professional skills, and character are preserved. The new life can be short (a few hours) or lasting long time(months and years). Then there is a sudden (rarely gradual) return to the previous personality, while the memories of the new one are completely lost.

Stuttering

Committing convulsive actions of the articulatory and laryngeal muscles when pronouncing speech, distorting it and making it difficult to pronounce words. Typically, stuttering occurs at the very beginning of phrases, less often in the middle, while the patient lingers on one or a group of sounds. The pathology may rarely recur (paroxysmal) or be permanent. There are neurotic (in healthy children under the influence of stress) and neurosis-like (in diseases of the central nervous system) forms of the disease. Treatment includes psychotherapy, speech therapy for stuttering, and drug therapy.

gambling addiction

A mental disorder characterized by addiction to games and a desire for excitement. Among the types of gambling addiction there are pathological addiction to gambling in casinos, computer games, network games, slot machines, sweepstakes, lotteries, sales on foreign exchange and stock markets. Manifestations of pathology include an irresistible constant desire to play, the patient withdraws, deceives loved ones, mental disorders and irritability are noted. Often this phenomenon leads to depression.

Idiocy

Congenital mental illness characterized by severe mental retardation. It is observed from the first weeks of a newborn’s life and is manifested by a significant progressive lag in psychomotor development. Patients lack speech and its understanding, ability to think, and emotional reactions. Children do not recognize their parents, cannot master primitive skills, and grow up absolutely helpless. Often the pathology is combined with anomalies in the physical development of the child. Treatment is based on symptomatic therapy.

Imbecility

Significant lag mental development(moderate oligophrenia). Patients have weak learning abilities (primitive speech, however, it is possible to read syllables and understand counting), poor memory, and primitive thinking. There is an excessive manifestation of unconscious instincts (sexual, food), and antisocial behavior. It is possible to learn self-care skills (through repetition), but such patients are not able to live independently. Treatment is based on symptomatic therapy.

Hypochondria

A neuropsychic disorder based on the patient’s excessive worries about his health. In this case, manifestations of pathology can be sensory (exaggeration of sensations) or ideogenic (false ideas about sensations in the body that can cause changes in it: cough, stool disorders, and others). The disorder is based on self-hypnosis, its main cause is neurosis, sometimes organic pathologies. An effective method of treatment is psychotherapy using medications.

Hysteria

Complex neurosis, which is characterized by states of passion, pronounced emotional reactions, and somatovegetative manifestations. There is no organic damage to the central nervous system, the disorders are considered reversible. The patient strives to attract attention, has an unstable mood, and may experience motor dysfunction (paralysis, paresis, unsteadiness of gait, head twitching). Hysterical attack accompanied by a cascade of expressive movements (falling on the floor and rolling on it, pulling out hair, twisting limbs, etc.).

Kleptomania

An irresistible urge to steal someone else's property. Moreover, the crime is committed not for the purpose of material enrichment, but mechanically, with a momentary impulse. The patient is aware of the illegality and abnormality of addiction, sometimes tries to resist it, acts alone and does not develop plans, does not steal out of revenge or for similar reasons. Before the theft, the patient experiences a feeling of tension and anticipation of pleasure; after the crime, the feeling of euphoria persists for some time.

Cretinism

Pathology arising from dysfunction thyroid gland, characterized by retardation of mental and physical development. All causes of cretinism are based on hypothyroidism. It can be a congenital or acquired pathology during the development of the child. The disease manifests itself as retarded growth of the body (dwarfism), teeth (and their replacement), disproportionality of the structure, and underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics. There are hearing, speech, and intellectual impairments of varying severity. Treatment consists of lifelong use of hormones.

"Cultural" shock

Negative emotional and physical reactions provoked by a change in a person’s cultural environment. At the same time, a collision with a different culture, an unfamiliar place causes discomfort and disorientation in the individual. The condition develops gradually. At first, a person perceives new conditions positively and optimistically, then the stage of “culture” shock begins with awareness of certain problems. Gradually, the person comes to terms with the situation, and depression recedes. The last stage is characterized by successful adaptation to the new culture.

Mania​ ​of persecution

A mental disorder in which the patient feels being watched and threatened with harm. The pursuers are people, animals, unreal beings, inanimate objects, etc. The pathology goes through 3 stages of formation: initially the patient is worried about anxiety, he becomes withdrawn. Further, the symptoms become more pronounced, the patient refuses to go to work or close circle. At the third stage, a severe disorder occurs, accompanied by aggression, depression, suicide attempts, etc.

Misanthropy

Mental disorder associated with alienation from society, rejection, hatred of people. It manifests itself as unsociability, suspicion, distrust, anger, and enjoyment of one’s state of misanthropy. This psychophysiological personality trait can turn into antrophobia (fear of a person). People suffering from psychopathy, delusions of persecution, and after suffering attacks of schizophrenia are prone to pathology.

Monomania

Excessive obsessive commitment to an idea, a subject. It is a single-subject insanity, a single mental disorder. At the same time, the preservation of mental health in patients is noted. This term is absent in modern classifiers of diseases, since it is considered a relic of psychiatry. Sometimes used to refer to psychosis characterized by a single disorder (hallucinations or delusions).

Obsessive states

A mental illness characterized by the presence of persistent thoughts, fears, and actions regardless of the will of the patient. The patient is fully aware of the problem, but cannot overcome his condition. Pathology manifests itself in obsessive thoughts (absurd, scary), counting (involuntary recounting), memories (usually unpleasant), fears, actions (their meaningless repetition), rituals, etc. Treatment uses psychotherapy, medications, and physiotherapy.

Narcissistic​ ​personality disorder

Excessive personal experience of one’s importance. Combined with the requirement of increased attention to oneself and admiration. The disorder is based on the fear of failure, the fear of being of little value and defenseless. Personal behavior is aimed at confirming one’s own value; a person constantly talks about his merits, social, material status or mental, physical abilities, etc. Long-term psychotherapy is required to correct the disorder.

Neurosis

A collective term characterizing a group of psychogenic disorders of a reversible, usually not severe, course. The main cause of the condition is stress and excessive mental stress. Patients are aware of the abnormality of their condition. Clinical signs pathologies are emotional (mood swings, vulnerability, irritability, tearfulness, etc.) and physical (dysfunction of the heart, digestion, tremor, headache, difficulty breathing and other) manifestations.

Mental retardation

Congenital or acquired at an early age mental retardation caused by organic damage to the brain. It is a common pathology, manifested by impairments of intelligence, speech, memory, will, emotional reactions, motor dysfunctions of varying severity, somatic disorders. The thinking of patients remains at the level of children younger age. Self-care abilities are present, but reduced.

Panic​ ​attacks

A panic attack accompanied by severe fear, anxiety, and vegetative symptoms. The causes of the pathology are stress, difficult life circumstances, chronic fatigue, the use of certain medications, mental and somatic diseases or conditions (pregnancy, postpartum period, menopause, adolescence). Besides emotional manifestations(fear, panic), vegetative ones are present: arrhythmias, tremors, difficulty breathing, painful sensations in various parts of the body (chest, abdomen), derealization, etc.

Paranoia

A mental disorder characterized by excessive suspicion. Patients pathologically see a conspiracy, evil intent directed against them. At the same time, in other areas of activity and thinking, the patient’s adequacy is fully preserved. Paranoia can be a consequence of certain mental illnesses, brain degeneration, or medications. Treatment is predominantly medicinal (neuroleptics with anti-delusional effect). Psychotherapy is ineffective because the doctor is perceived as a participant in the conspiracy.

Pyromania

A mental disorder characterized by the patient’s irresistible craving for arson. Arson is committed impulsively, in the absence of full awareness of the act. The patient experiences pleasure from performing the action and observing the fire. At the same time, there is no material benefit from arson, it is committed confidently, the pyromaniac is tense, fixated on the topic of fires. When observing the flame it is possible sexual arousal. Treatment is complex, since pyromaniacs often have serious mental disorders.

Psychoses

A severe mental disorder is accompanied by delusional states, mood swings, hallucinations (auditory, olfactory, visual, tactile, gustatory), agitation or apathy, depression, aggression. At the same time, the patient lacks control over his actions and criticism. The causes of pathology include infections, alcoholism and drug addiction, stress, psychotrauma, age-related changes ( senile psychosis), dysfunction of the central nervous and endocrine systems.

Self-injurious​ ​behavior​ ​(Patomimia)

A mental disorder in which a person intentionally causes damage to himself (wounds, cuts, bites, burns), but their traces are defined as a skin disease. In this case, there may be a tendency to injure the skin and mucous membranes, damage to nails, hair, and lips. Neurotic excoriation (skin scratching) is often encountered in psychiatric practice. Pathology is characterized by the systematicity of causing damage using the same method. To treat pathology, psychotherapy with the use of medications is used.

Seasonal​ ​depression

Mood disorder, its depression, a feature of which is the seasonal frequency of the pathology. There are 2 forms of the disease: “winter” and “summer” depression. Most common pathology acquires in regions with a short duration daylight hours. Manifestations include depressed mood, fatigue, anhedonia, pessimism, decreased libido, thoughts of suicide, death, and vegetative symptoms. Treatment includes psychotherapy and medication.

Sexual perversions

Pathological forms of sexual desire and distortion of its implementation. Sexual perversions include sadism, masochism, exhibitionism, pedo-, bestiality, homosexuality, etc. With true perversions, a perverted way of realizing sexual desire becomes the only possible way for the patient to obtain satisfaction, completely replacing the normal one. sex life. Pathology can form in psychopathy, mental retardation, organic lesions central nervous system and so on.

Senesthopathy

Unpleasant sensations of varying content and severity on the surface of the body or in the area of ​​internal organs. The patient feels burning, twisting, pulsation, heat, cold, burning pain, drilling, etc. Usually the sensations are localized in the head, less often in the abdomen, chest, and limbs. At the same time, there is no objective reason, a pathological process that could cause such feelings. The condition usually occurs against the background of mental disorders (neurosis, psychosis, depression). Therapy requires treatment of the underlying disease.

Negative Twin Syndrome

A mental disorder in which the patient is convinced that he or someone close to him has been replaced by an absolute double. In the first option, the patient claims that a person exactly identical to him is to blame for the bad actions he has committed. Delusions of a negative double occur in autoscopic (the patient sees the double) and Capgras syndrome (the double is invisible). Pathology often accompanies mental illness(schizophrenia) and neurological diseases.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Dysfunction of the large intestine, characterized by the presence of symptoms that bother the patient for a long period (more than six months). The pathology is manifested by abdominal pain (usually before defecation and disappearing after), bowel dysfunction (constipation, diarrhea or their alternation), and sometimes autonomic disorders. A psycho-neurogenic mechanism for the formation of the disease is noted; intestinal infections, hormonal fluctuations, and visceral hyperalgesia are also identified among the causes. Symptoms usually do not progress over time and there is no weight loss.

Syndrome​ ​chronic​ ​fatigue

Constant, long-term (more than six months) physical and mental fatigue, which persists after sleep and even several days of rest. Usually starts with infectious disease, however, it is also observed after recovery. Manifestations include weakness, periodic headaches, insomnia (often), impaired performance, possible weight loss, hypochondria, and depression. Treatment includes stress reduction, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques.

Syndrome​ ​emotional​ ​burnout

A state of mental, moral and physical exhaustion. The main reasons for the phenomenon are regular stressful situations, monotony of actions, intense rhythm, a feeling of underappreciation, and undeserved criticism. Manifestations of the condition include chronic fatigue, irritability, weakness, migraines, dizziness, and insomnia. Treatment consists of observing a work-rest regime; it is recommended to take a vacation and take breaks from work.

Vascular​ ​dementia

Progressive decline in intelligence and disruption of adaptation in society. The cause is damage to areas of the brain due to vascular pathologies: hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, etc. The pathology manifests itself as a violation of cognitive abilities, memory, control over actions, deterioration of thinking, and understanding of spoken speech. In vascular dementia there is a combination of cognitive and neurological disorders. The prognosis of the disease depends on the severity of brain damage.

Stress​ ​and​ ​disorder​ ​adaptation

Stress is the reaction of the human body to excessively strong stimuli. Moreover, this condition can be physiological and psychological. It should be noted that when latest version stress is caused by both negative and positive emotions strong degree expressiveness. Adaptation disorder is observed during the period of adaptation to changing living conditions under the influence of various factors(loss of loved ones, serious disease And so on). At the same time, there is a connection between stress and adaptation disorder (no more than 3 months).

Suicidal behavior

A pattern of thoughts or actions aimed at self-destruction in order to escape life's problems. Suicidal behavior includes 3 forms: completed suicide (ended in death), attempted suicide (not completed for various reasons), suicidal action (committing actions with a low probability of lethality). The last 2 options often become a request for help, and not a real way to die. Patients must be under constant supervision and treatment is carried out in a psychiatric hospital.

Madness

The term means severe mental illness (insanity). Rarely used in psychiatry, usually used in colloquial speech. By the nature of its impact on the environment, madness can be useful (the gift of foresight, inspiration, ecstasy, etc.) and dangerous (rage, aggression, mania, hysteria). According to the form of the pathology, melancholy is distinguished (depression, apathy, soul feelings), mania (hyperexcitability, unjustified euphoria, excessive mobility), hysteria (reactions of increased excitability, aggressiveness).

Tafophilia

A disorder of attraction, characterized by a pathological interest in the cemetery, its paraphernalia and everything connected with it: tombstones, epitaphs, stories about death, funerals, etc. There are varying degrees of craving: from mild interest to obsession, manifested in a constant search for information, frequent visits cemeteries, funerals and so on. Unlike thanatophilia and necrophilia, with this pathology there are no addictions to dead body, sexual arousal. Funeral rites and their paraphernalia are of primary interest in taphophilia.

Anxiety

An emotional reaction of the body, which is expressed by concern, anticipation of troubles, and fear of them. Pathological anxiety can occur against a background of complete well-being, may be short-lived or be a stable personality trait. It manifests itself as tension, expressed anxiety, a feeling of helplessness, loneliness. Physically, tachycardia, increased breathing, and growth may be observed. blood pressure, hyperexcitability, sleep disturbances. Psychotherapeutic techniques are effective in treatment.

Trichotillomania

A mental disorder that relates to obsessive-compulsive neurosis. It manifests itself as a urge to pull out one’s own hair, and in some cases, to subsequently eat it. It usually appears against a background of idleness, sometimes during stress, and is more common in women and children (2-6 years). Hair pulling is accompanied by tension, which then gives way to satisfaction. The act of pulling out is usually done unconsciously. In the vast majority of cases, pulling is carried out from the scalp, less often - in the area of ​​eyelashes, eyebrows and other hard-to-reach places.

Hikikomori

A pathological condition in which a person renounces social life, resorting to complete self-isolation (in an apartment, room) for a period of more than six months. Such people refuse to work, communicate with friends, relatives, are usually dependent on loved ones or receive unemployment benefits. This phenomenon is common symptom depressive, obsessive-compulsive, autistic disorder. Self-isolation is developing gradually; if necessary, people still go out into the outside world.

Phobia

Pathological irrational fear, reactions to which worsen when exposed to provoking factors. Phobias are characterized by an obsessive, persistent course, while the person avoids frightening objects, activities, etc. The pathology may be varying degrees severity and is observed both in minor neurotic disorders and in serious mental illnesses (schizophrenia). Treatment includes psychotherapy with the use of medications (tranquilizers, antidepressants, etc.).

Schizoid disorder

A mental disorder characterized by unsociability, isolation, low need for social life, and autistic personality traits. Such people are emotionally cold and have a weak ability for empathy and trusting relationships. The disorder manifests itself in early childhood and is observed throughout life. This personality is characterized by the presence of unusual hobbies ( Scientific research, philosophy, yoga, individual views sports, etc.). Treatment includes psychotherapy and social adaptation.

Schizotypal​ ​disorder

A mental disorder characterized by abnormal behavior and impaired thinking, similar to the symptoms of schizophrenia, but mild and unclear. There is a genetic predisposition to the disease. The pathology is manifested by emotional (detachment, indifference), behavioral (inappropriate reactions) disorders, social maladjustment, the presence obsessions, strange beliefs, depersonalization, disorientation, hallucinations. Treatment is complex and includes psychotherapy and medication.

Schizophrenia

Severe mental illness chronic course with a violation of thought processes, emotional reactions, leading to the disintegration of personality. The most common signs of the disease include auditory hallucinations, paranoid or fantastic delusions, speech and thinking disorders, accompanied by social dysfunction. The violent nature of auditory hallucinations (suggestions), the patient’s secrecy (devotes only to those closest to him), and chosenness (the patient is convinced that he has been chosen for the mission) are noted. Drug therapy is indicated for treatment ( antipsychotic drugs) in order to correct symptoms.

Selective​ ​(selective)​ ​mutism

A condition when a child has a lack of speech in certain situations while the speech apparatus is functioning properly. In other circumstances and conditions, children retain the ability to speak and understand spoken speech. IN in rare cases the disorder occurs in adults. Typically, the onset of pathology is characterized by a period of adaptation to kindergarten and school. At normal development In a child, the disorder resolves spontaneously by the age of 10 years. Most effective treatment Family, individual and behavioral therapy are considered.

Encopresis

A disease characterized by dysfunction, uncontrollability of bowel movements, and fecal incontinence. It is usually observed in children; in adults it is more often of an organic nature. Encopresis is often combined with stool retention and constipation. The condition can be caused not only by mental, but also by somatic pathologies. The causes of the disease are immaturity of control of the act of defecation; a history of intrauterine hypoxia, infection, birth injury. More often, the pathology occurs in children from socially disadvantaged families.

Enuresis

Syndrome of uncontrolled, involuntary urination, mainly at night. Urinary incontinence is more common in preschool and early childhood children school age, usually present in the anamnesis neurological pathology. The syndrome contributes to the occurrence of psychological trauma in the child, the development of isolation, indecisiveness, neuroses, and conflicts with peers, which further complicates the course of the disease. The goal of diagnosis and treatment is to eliminate the cause of the pathology, psychological correction of the condition.

Mental disorders in children or mental dysontogenesis are deviations from normal behavior, accompanied by a group of disorders that are classified as pathological conditions. Arise due to genetic, sociopathic, physiological reasons, sometimes their formation is facilitated by injuries or diseases of the brain. Disorders that arise at an early age become the cause of mental disorders and require treatment by a psychiatrist.

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Causes of disorders

The formation of a child’s psyche is associated with the biological characteristics of the body, heredity and constitution, the rate of formation of the brain and parts of the central nervous system, and acquired skills. The root of the development of mental disorders in children should always be sought in biological, sociopathic or psychological factors, provoking the occurrence of violations, the process is often triggered by a set of agents. The main reasons include:

• Genetic predisposition. It assumes initially improper functioning of the nervous system due to the innate characteristics of the body. When close relatives have mental disorders, there is a possibility of passing them on to the child.
• Deprivation (inability to satisfy needs) in early childhood. The connection between mother and baby begins from the first minutes of birth; it sometimes has a major influence on a person’s attachments and the depth of emotional feelings in the future. Any type of deprivation (tactile or emotional, psychological) partially or completely affects a person’s mental development and leads to mental dysontogenesis.
• Limited mental abilities also refer to a kind of mental disorder and affect physiological development and sometimes become the cause of other disorders.
• Brain injury occurs as a result of difficult childbirth or head injuries, encephalopathy is caused by infections during intrauterine development or after illness. In terms of prevalence, this reason takes the leading place along with the hereditary factor.
• Bad habits of the mother, the toxicological effects of smoking, alcohol, and drugs have a negative impact on the fetus even during the period of pregnancy. If the father suffers from these ailments, the consequences of intemperance often affect the child’s health, affecting the central nervous system and brain, which negatively affects the psyche.

Family conflicts or an unfavorable environment at home are a significant factor that traumatizes the developing psyche and aggravates the condition.

Mental disorders in childhood, especially under one year of age, are united by general feature: progressive dynamics mental functions combined with the development of dysontogenesis associated with disruption of morphofunctional brain systems. The condition occurs due to cerebral disorders, congenital characteristics or social influences.

Relationship between disorders and age

In children, psychophysical development occurs gradually and is divided into stages:

• early - up to three years;
• preschool – up to the age of six;
• junior school – up to 10 years;
• school-puberty – up to 17 years.

Critical periods are considered to be time periods during the transition to the next stage, which are characterized by rapid changes in all body functions, including an increase in mental reactivity. At this time, children are most susceptible to nervous disorders or worsening of existing mental pathologies. Age crises fall on 3-4 years, 5-7 years, 12 -16 years. What features are characteristic of each stage:

• Before one year of age, babies develop positive and negative sensations and form initial ideas about the world around them. In the first months of life, disorders are associated with the needs that the child must receive: food, sleep, comfort and absence of painful sensations. The crisis of 7-8 months is marked by awareness of the differentiation of feelings, recognition of loved ones and the formation of attachment, so the child requires the attention of the mother and family members. How better parents provide satisfaction of needs, the faster a positive behavior stereotype is formed. Dissatisfaction causes negative reaction, the more unfulfilled desires accumulate, the more severe the deprivation, which subsequently leads to aggression.
• In 2-year-old children, active maturation of brain cells continues, motivation for behavior appears, orientation towards evaluation by adults, and positive behavior is identified. With constant control and prohibitions, the inability to assert oneself leads to a passive attitude and the development of infantilism. With additional stress, behavior takes on a pathological character.
• Stubbornness and nervous breakdowns, protests are observed at 4 years old, mental disorders can manifest themselves in mood swings, tension, internal discomfort. Restrictions cause frustration, the child’s mental balance is disturbed due to even minor negative influences.
• At 5 years of age, disorders can manifest themselves when mental development is advanced, accompanied by dysynchrony, that is, a one-sided direction of interests appears. Also, attention should be paid if the child has lost skills acquired earlier, has become untidy, limits communication, has a decreased vocabulary, or does not play role-playing games.
• In seven-year-olds, the cause of neuroses is schoolwork; with the start of the school year, disturbances manifest themselves in instability of mood, tearfulness, fatigue, and headaches. The reactions are based on psychosomatic asthenia ( bad dream and appetite, decreased performance, fears), fatigue. The failure factor is the discrepancy between mental abilities and the school curriculum.
• In school and adolescence mental disorders manifest themselves in anxiety, increased anxiety, melancholy, mood swings. Negativism is combined with conflict, aggression, and internal contradictions. Children react painfully to others' assessment of their abilities and appearance. Sometimes there is increased self-confidence or, conversely, criticism, posturing, and disdain for the opinions of teachers and parents.

Mental disorders should be distinguished from anomalies of post-schizophrenic defect and dementia resulting from organic brain disease. In this case, dysontogenesis acts as a symptom of pathology.



Types of pathologies

Children are diagnosed with mental disorders typical of adults, but children also have specific age-related ailments. Symptoms of dysontogenesis are varied, depending on age, stage of development and environment.

The peculiarity of the manifestations is that in children it is not always easy to distinguish pathology from characteristics of character and development. There are several types of mental disorders in children.



Mental retardation

Pathology refers to acquired or congenital mental underdevelopment with a clear lack of intelligence, when the child’s social adaptation is difficult or completely impossible. In sick children the following decreases, sometimes significantly:

• cognitive abilities and memory;
• perception and attention;
• speech skills;
• control over instinctual needs.

The vocabulary is poor, the pronunciation is unclear, the child is poorly developed emotionally and morally, and is unable to predict the consequences of his actions. It is mildly detected in children upon entering school; moderate and severe stages are diagnosed in the first years of life.

The disease cannot be cured completely, but proper upbringing and training will allow the child to learn communication and self-care skills; with a mild stage of the disease, people are able to adapt to society. In severe cases, care will be required throughout the person's life.

Impaired mental function

A borderline state between oligophrenia and the norm, disorders are manifested by delays in the cognitive, motor or emotional, speech sphere. Mental retardation sometimes occurs due to slow development of brain structures. It happens that the condition passes without a trace or remains as an underdevelopment of one function, while it is compensated by other, sometimes accelerated, abilities.

There are also residual syndromes - hyperactivity, decreased attention, loss of previously acquired skills. The type of pathology can become the basis for pathocharacterological manifestations of personality in adulthood.

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)

A common problem in children of preschool age and up to 12 years old, it is characterized by neuro-reflex excitability. It shows that the child:

• active, unable to sit still or do one thing for a long time;
• constantly distracted;
• impulsive;
• intemperate and talkative;
• does not finish what he starts.

Neuropathy does not lead to a decrease in intelligence, but if the condition is not corrected, it often becomes the cause of difficulties with studying and adaptation in the social sphere. In the future, the consequences of attention deficit disorder may include incontinence, drug or alcohol addiction, and family problems.

Autism

A congenital mental disorder is accompanied not only by speech and motor disorders; autism is characterized by a violation of contact and social interaction with people. Stereotypical behavior makes it difficult to change the environment and living conditions; changes cause fear and panic. Children tend to perform monotonous movements and actions, repeating sounds and words.

The disease is difficult to treat, but the efforts of doctors and parents can correct the situation and reduce the manifestations of psychopathological symptoms.

Acceleration

Characteristic for pathology accelerated development child physically or intellectually. Reasons include urbanization, improved nutrition, and interethnic marriages. Acceleration can manifest itself as harmonious development, when all systems develop evenly, but these cases are rare. With the progress of physical and mental development, somatovegetative abnormalities are noted at an early age, and endocrine problems are identified in older children.

The mental sphere is also characterized by disorder, for example, during the formation of early speech skills, motor skills or social cognition lag behind, and physical maturity is combined with infantilism. With age, differences smooth out, so violations usually do not lead to consequences.

Infantilism

With infantilism, the emotional-volitional sphere lags behind in development. Symptoms are identified at the stage of school and adolescence, when big child behaves like a preschooler: prefers to play rather than gain knowledge. Does not accept school discipline and requirements, while the level of abstract logical thinking is not impaired. In case of unfavorable social environment simple infantilism tends to progress.

The reasons for the formation of the disorder are often constant control and restriction, unjustified guardianship, projection of negative emotions onto the child and lack of restraint, which encourages him to close down and adapt.

What to look for?

Manifestations of mental disorders in childhood are varied, and sometimes it is difficult to confuse them with a lack of upbringing. Symptoms of these disorders can sometimes appear in healthy children, so only a specialist can diagnose the pathology. You should consult a doctor if signs of mental disorders manifest themselves clearly, expressed in the following behavior:

• Increased cruelty. A child at a young age does not yet understand that dragging a cat by the tail hurts the animal. The student is aware of the level of discomfort of the animal; if he likes it, he should pay attention to his behavior.
• The desire to lose weight. The desire to be beautiful arises in every girl in adolescence, when, with a normal weight, a schoolgirl considers herself fat and refuses to eat, there is a reason to go to a psychiatrist.
• If a child has a high degree of anxiety, panic attacks often occur, the situation cannot be left unattended.
• Bad mood and blues are sometimes common to people, but the course of depression for more than 2 weeks in a teenager requires increased attention from parents.
• Mood swings indicate mental instability and inability to adequately respond to stimuli. If a change in behavior occurs without a reason, this indicates problems that require solutions.

When a child is active and sometimes inattentive, there is nothing to worry about. But if this makes it difficult for him to even play outdoor games with peers because he is distracted, the condition requires correction.

Treatment methods

Timely identification of behavioral disorders in children and the creation of a favorable psychological atmosphere makes it possible to correct mental disorders in most cases. Some situations require lifelong monitoring and medication. Sometimes it is possible to cope with the problem in short time, sometimes it takes years to recover, and the support of the adults around the child. Therapy depends on the diagnosis, age, causes of formation and type of manifestations of disorders; in each specific case, the treatment method is selected individually, even when the symptoms vary slightly. Therefore, when visiting a psychotherapist or psychologist, it is important to explain to the doctor the essence of the problem, to present Full description characteristics of the child's behavior, based on comparative characteristics before and after changes.

The following are used in the treatment of children:

• IN simple cases Psychotherapeutic methods are sufficient, when the doctor, in conversations with the child and parents, helps to find the cause of the problem, ways to solve it, and teaches how to control behavior.
• A set of psychotherapeutic measures and medication use indicate a more serious development of the pathology. For depressive states, aggressive behavior, mood swings, they are prescribed sedatives, antidepressants, neuroleptics. Nootropics and psychoneuroregulators are used to treat developmental delays.
• In case of severe disorders, it is recommended hospital treatment, where the child receives the necessary therapy under the supervision of a doctor.

During the treatment period and after it, it is necessary to create a favorable environment in the family, eliminate stress and negative impact environment influencing behavioral reactions.

If parents have doubts about the adequacy of the child’s behavior, they should contact a psychiatrist, a specialist will conduct an examination and prescribe treatment. It is important to identify pathology early stage in order to correct behavior in a timely manner, prevent the progression of the disorder and eliminate the problem.

I know that no one can help me, but I want to talk about my situation, perhaps a banal desire to “pour out my soul” and cry strangers It will help me, because... I can’t talk about my oppressed thoughts and feelings to others.
I am 29 years old, I have a mentally ill child, a 6.5 year old son. how much effort and time has been spent, but society stubbornly does not accept it. he is not retarded, he is specific - autistic. does not speak, understands everything, but is not interested in anything, although we have tried all the methods and types of activities. everything he learns he goes through on his own. No matter how much we bang our heads, until it ripens, nothing can be squeezed out of it. The problems worsened when they tried to kick him out of a rehabilitation center for disabled children. The fact is that he is very stubborn, capricious and emotional. Neither teachers nor educators like this. frankly speaking, I partly understand them, but, on the other hand, I don’t know what to do. he goes to the group like he goes to kindergarten (from 9 to 5). I go to work and this is my only outlet, only at work can I unload my sick brain and thoughts. at the rehabilitation center they persistently advise me to quit and stay home with him. I don’t want to do this, because we’ve already been through something like this and it doesn’t give anything - he needs a team.
Now we have problems with sleep, he doesn’t sleep, I don’t sleep, no one sleeps. but only work saves me. At home I turn into a crazy hysteric.
what to do? I’m at a dead end, I don’t know what will happen next... what should I do, or give up on everything, quit and isolate myself and him from the environment?
I’m thinking about suicide, my nerves are on edge... I described the situation quite dryly, especially my feelings, thoughts and emotions, I just can’t, I don’t want, I don’t know what to do
Support the site:

Zarina, age: 29 / 02/13/2014

Responses:

Zarina, of course, has a very difficult time when life focuses on one problem, and the problem is truly complex. How can you help yourself first? Find time at least once a week to “reboot.” At least one hour in a temple, in a museum, in a cafe... Another hour of a leisurely walk in a park, square, river bank... Another hour of drawing or weaving, knitting, embroidering, reading your favorite book... Remember what exactly you did you like to do before? Maybe try to remember? Try to agree on this hour with someone, with a nurse in the end. Expanding your view of the world is now your task. So?
Secondly, I think that you can contact the parents of the same special children and consult with them. Who, if not they, who are experiencing the same difficulties, will tell you from their experience how exactly you can help yourself and your son. I just typed “Parents of autistic children” into the search engine, and more than a dozen sites and forums came up. Read them, choose the one that seems more reliable, consult there knowledgeable people. God help.

Elena, age: 57 / 02/13/2014

Hello, Zarina! There is no need to give a damn about everything, isolate yourself and think about suicide! You are fighting and you are on the right path! You are strong, you are great! What advice can I give here? In your case, I would only count on God's help. Only Faith will bring you the peace you desire. You know, a mother’s prayers for a child, they are the most powerful! They are capable of working miracles of healing! And I would also contact people on forums with similar problems. There they will give you effective advice and share their experience. Don't be discouraged, don't give up! Your baby really needs you! With all my heart I wish you strength, endurance and patience, and your son health! I believe that you will definitely win!

magnolia, age: 39 / 02/13/2014

It probably makes sense to write to a forum where mothers of such children communicate. It is easier for them to understand from their own experience how best to act in a given situation. If a child does not sleep at night, it is possible that he sleeps during the day, because it is not possible to stay awake for a long time. I don’t have children, I just wrote this logically, maybe children can’t sleep, I don’t know for sure. If my job saves me, then I probably wouldn’t quit it. It is impossible to live in constant stress.

Sonya, age: 33 / 02/13/2014

Zarina, keep fighting! Your son needs you. There are few people who can help him except you. Are there families with autistic children in your city? Maybe you can try to establish contact with one of them, they will understand you better than others? Ask someone to sit with your son for at least an hour, and spend this time on yourself. Surely you have relatives, or at worst friends? Can't they give you this hour at least once a week? Understand this is not the end. It's very difficult, but we have to fight. I've heard (forgive me if I got this wrong) that autistic children often grow up to be gifted individuals. Your son needs you, don’t even think about committing suicide.

Yuriy, age: 37 / 02/13/2014

What you definitely shouldn’t do is isolate yourself and your child from society. Then you simply degrade. Seek communication with parents like you. Get advice and learn from their experience. It's easier together. Just don’t isolate yourself, I beg you!

Natalya, age: * / 02/13/2014

Zarina, hold on. From your address it is clear that it is very difficult for you. Unfortunately, I don’t know much about the problem, I work with a colleague who has Asperger’s syndrome, he is very smart, it’s interesting to communicate with him, although it can be difficult sometimes, but as far as I know, this syndrome is a little different from autism. It seems to me that your inner voice is telling you that it is better not to deprive yourself or your child of communication with the team, so listen to yourself and most likely you will find the right answer. I wish you strength to cope with the situation and problems.

Daria, age: 28 / 02/14/2014

Zarina, why not stop fighting, then the tension will go away. You know, they say if you want to get something, let go of the situation. This does not mean that you don’t need to take care of the child’s development, but you just have to do it without strain. The child can become more learnable if you you won’t break down... try it, it won’t work right away, there will be breakdowns, and then get used to it.

Eliya, age: 23 / 02/14/2014

Zarinochka, I sympathize with you! Try to find a psychologist who specializes in pathopsychology or psychogenetics. He can help by working with your child. There is a chance to slightly adjust his behavior.

But I don’t think it’s worth quitting your job. You are also a person who deserves normal life. And if work is your outlet, then use it and breathe there! Why punish yourself? Work and don't quit.

And pour out your soul more often. This really helps. Maybe you’ll find someone with similar problems and share. And the situation will no longer seem so scary.

Olga, age: 27 / 02/14/2014

Dear Zarinochka!
BE SURE to establish contact with parents of autistic children! I know from personal experience what it’s like to live next to someone who has a mental illness. In my case, the situation could not be corrected; it was progressive Alzheimer's disease in an elderly person. I felt driven into a corner, cried all the time and did not have a single joyful thought. But when I found my fellow sufferers, first of all I felt human warmth from people who understood the situation. It immediately became easier, honestly! Everyone knows the characteristics of patients, shares news, successes and failures with each other and supports each other. And secondly, I received a lot of information and practical advice from experienced people, this also helped a lot. And in your case, the situation is more favorable - autistic children can be corrected, but it takes a long time, and it’s not easy, but it’s worth it! Just please don’t try to isolate yourself, isolate yourself from the world! This will lead to even greater loss of spirit. Collect joy bit by bit from everywhere - at work, from a good book, movie, from good people, from a walk! These crumbs of joy will be enough for you to hold out until better times! They will definitely come and warm your heart! God bless you!
(In the latest March issue of Domashny Ochag magazine there is an article written by the mother of an autistic girl, “I Believe in Motherhood,” which tells a real and inspiring story of victory over the disease.)

Elena, age: 37 / 02/14/2014

Hello, dear Zarina!
I would advise you to take your son to receive communion as often as possible, and also try to go to confession and receive communion yourself. I know a case where a child did not sleep for up to 3 years, and the first good night was - after Communion. His parents decided to take him to church. At first they didn’t understand what had happened! their baby slept all night, and so did they! It was a shock to them. But they did not understand that the reason for this is Communion. It was their turn again sleepless nights, again they decided to take the child to receive communion, and... again they slept all night!!! Then they understood what was going on... :) The miracle of Holy Communion!
And I advise you to confess and receive communion, because the connection between mother and child is very, very strong. And the child feels better when his mother receives communion.
Find out how to prepare for these Sacraments, go to a church shop, ask the seller there, buy a book, or read it on the Internet, for example, here briefly http://azbyka.ru/tserkov/duhovnaya_zhizn/sem_tserkovnyh_tainstv/prichaschenie/podgotovka_k_prichastiyu-all .shtml
I agree with those who wrote above, I think you shouldn’t lock your baby at home, he needs communication! And work is an outlet for you; you cannot deprive yourself of this.
I think we need to continue working with him in the rehabilitation center and at home! Darling, throw away your dark thoughts about leaving. You are not alone now, you are responsible for your son, whom God entrusted to you! And who will warm your baby when you are gone? Who will need it? How will he live without his mother?
No, Zarinochka, we have to fight!
Is it possible to take time off from work? Let the baby go to the center, and at least you can get a good night’s sleep at home!
I wish you health, strength and God's help!

Seraphima, age: 24 / 02/14/2014

Zarina, I work with parents of disabled children. I also have a 6 year old son who suffers from autism. Expert advice is not
groundless. If he is emotional and if there is an opportunity not to work, my advice is to quit. You better have it in the center
drive three hours than a full day. It's hard for him to be there all day. I don’t know what city you’re from, but you’re a mother of children
autistic people in Moscow and the Moscow region try to be with their children whenever possible. My child is talking.
Started talking at age 5. I already thought that this wouldn’t happen. An autistic person just needs to be loved and cared for and he
will gradually open up to the world.

Marina, age: 44 / 02/15/2014

My dear:D I have autism, although small degree. I work, they got used to me, and with age it has smoothed out a lot. I can fall into my thoughts, yes, some situations frighten me greatly, to the point of hysteria, I try to avoid them. For example, I’m scared to death of horses. But still, better than in childhood. You won't have this nightmare forever. And autistic people can be very interesting, even very interesting over time. He will be able to work and become your support. My mom didn't believe it either :-)
Hang in there. It's a pity that you encountered this, but this is not the case when there is no progress forever. For me, you can’t even tell now, unless, of course, at certain moments of fright... But even healthy people seem to squeal from mice and cockroaches?)

Dalmatian, age: 31 / 02/16/2014

Dear Zarina! First of all, you are a great smart girl and you can be understood. But you gave your child such a direct “sentence”: “He’s sick.” He is not sick, but extraordinary, not like everyone else. He needs a special approach and a lot of warmth and love. What does it mean want to kick you out of the center? What kind of specialists are there? Maybe they need to be kicked out of this center? Don’t back down and of course you don’t need to quit your job. These unusual children are very interesting, if you look closely at them, they are very deep in their own world, forcing, instilling, punishing - all this is not for them. But you have to suffer that he is like this.... You are right, he needs society, otherwise he will completely lose adaptation... Someone here wrote that such children often grow up to be geniuses - this is true..... because they are unpredictable... Think about it, what does God not give to someone at all? children.... And he just gave you something unusual.... not every mother is capable of raising such a person... It means you were chosen from above and you are very strong... You love him very, very much. You see a normal way of life - read, walk, communicate. ..don’t isolate yourself...blessings to you and your son

Natalya, age: 29 / 31.07.2014

I will answer late. I have the same problem, only the child is 14 years old. He was also “special”: in some ways smarter than others, in others incomprehensibly aggressive. Although I worked hard with him, I tried to develop motor skills and logic. I went to a regular DS. There were hysterics and disputes with other parents. At the age of 7, the child became very interested in reading: encyclopedias, detective stories, and read a lot without interruption. Autistic people have this thing: if they’re really interested in something, they don’t know what to do. But it lasted until 10-11. From 10 the countdown began: I stopped reading, then taking care of myself (washing my face, etc.). Sits at the PC or lies down if the PC is turned off. He is rude and deceives. Studying no longer exists for him (teachers are generally surprised how he could study in a regular school). Now we need to register for disability. They diagnose him with a mental disorder, but the psychiatrist says that apparently he also has schizophrenia. In general, my child is already lost to society - he lives in his own world. And so I also keep thinking - have I done everything I can and should I give up or is there still an opportunity to change something?
your problems are nonsense. The main thing is that you see your child as an individual and do not give in to the pressure of others. The opinions of others are also nonsense. It doesn’t mean anything to me anymore, or rather, having gone through a lot of humiliation and problems, I realized that only a person who experienced the same thing (not approximately, but in the same strength) can understand me. Yes, I also wanted to isolate myself (go to the village), but as usual, trouble doesn’t come alone, so it all came to pass and I ended up in a mental hospital myself, but I realized that you can’t run away from problems... I don’t feel sorry for myself, I feel sorry for the child. But apparently, this test was given to us... It ended cruelly...

Nadine, age: 40 / 10/21/2014

Hello, my name is Elena. I have already gone through all this, I have a son who is already 15 years old. The tortured child was waiting for him very much. We have mental retardation and psychosis is very violent. I have been sitting at home with him for 6 years now. And I didn't go crazy. In your case, you need to pull yourself together, you don’t need to think about anything bad, throw it out of your head. You need to be strong for the sake of your child. Well, since he is not sleeping, maybe you should drink tea for sleep first. Well, there is no point in being offended by people; they will never accept disabled children. They look at us too, but we have learned not to pay attention. So we have only one more positive life. All the best to you.

Elena, age: 38 / 07/31/2015

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Health

To help children who have not been diagnosed mental disorder, researchers have published a list 11 warning signs that are easily recognized, which can be used by parents and others.

This list is intended to help fill the gap between the number of children suffering from mental illness and those who actually receive treatment.

Research has shown that three out of four children with mental health problems, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders and bipolar disorder go undetected and do not receive proper treatment.

Parents who notice any of the warning signs should contact their pediatrician or mental health professional for a psychiatric evaluation. Researchers hope that the proposed list of symptoms will help parents distinguish normal behavior from signs of mental illness.

"Many people cannot be sure whether their child has a problem."- states Dr. Peter S. Jensen(Dr. Peter S. Jensen), professor of psychiatry. " If a person has a “yes” or “no” answer, then it is easier for him to make a decision."

Identifying a mental disorder early in life will also allow children to receive treatment earlier, making it more effective. For some children, it may take up to 10 years between the time symptoms begin and the time they begin treatment.

To compile the list, the committee reviewed studies on mental disorders that included more than 6,000 children.

Here are 11 warning signs of mental disorders:

1. Feelings of deep sadness or withdrawal that last more than 2-3 weeks.

2. Serious attempts to harm or kill yourself, or plans to do so.

3. Sudden, overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes accompanied by strong heartbeat and fast breathing.

4. Participation in many fights, including the use of weapons, or the desire to harm someone.

5. Violent, out-of-control behavior that may cause harm to self or others.

6. Not eating, throwing away food, or using laxatives to lose weight.

7. Severe anxieties and fears that interfere with normal activities.

8. Severe difficulty concentrating or being unable to sit still, which puts you in physical danger or causes you to fail academically.

9. Repeated use of drugs and alcohol.

10. Severe mood swings that lead to relationship problems.

11. Sudden changes in behavior or personality

These signs are not a diagnosis, and for an accurate diagnosis, parents should consult a specialist. In addition, the researchers explained that these signs do not necessarily appear in children with mental disorders.

– syndromes characterized by a persistent inability to plan and control behavior, to build it in accordance with social norms and rules. It manifests itself as unsociability, aggressiveness, disobedience, indiscipline, pugnacity, cruelty, severe damage to property, theft, deceit, and running away from home. The diagnosis is made using the clinical method, the data is supplemented by the results of psychodiagnostics. Treatment consists of sessions of behavioral, group, family psychotherapy, and medication.

The term conduct disorder (CD) is used to refer to repeated, persistent patterns of behavior that are inappropriate for more than 6 months. social norms. RP is the most common diagnosis in child psychiatry. Epidemiology among children is about 5%. There is a gender dependence - boys are more susceptible to behavioral disorders. In children the ratio is 4:1, in adolescents – 2.5:1. The decrease in the difference as they grow older is explained by the late onset in girls - 12-13 years old. In boys, the peak incidence occurs at 8-9 years of age.

Causes of conduct disorder in children

Development behavioral disorders determined by the implementation of biological inclinations and the influence of the environment. Research confirms that the leading role belongs to education, and heredity and psychophysiological characteristics are risk factors. Among the causes of behavioral disorders in children can be identified:

• Physiological processes. An imbalance of hormones, excitation-inhibition processes, and metabolic disorders contribute to the development of RP. Epilepsy, cerebral palsy are associated with increased risk disobedience, irritability.
• Psychological characteristics. The formation of RP is facilitated by emotional instability, low self-esteem, depressed mood, distorted perception of cause-and-effect relationships, manifested by a tendency to blame events and other people for one’s own failures.
• Family relationships. Behavioral syndromes in a child are formed due to pathological parenting styles and frequent conflicts between parents. These reasons are most relevant for families where one or both parents suffer from mental illness, lead an immoral lifestyle, are involved in criminal activity, or have pathological addictions (drugs, alcohol). Intrafamily relationships are characterized by hostility, coldness, harsh discipline or its complete absence, lack of love and participation.
• Social interactions. The prevalence of behavioral disorders is higher in kindergartens and schools with poor organization of the educational process, low moral principles of teachers, high staff turnover, and hostile relationships between classmates. The broader influences of society are relationships in the territory of residence. In areas with national, ethnic, and political disunity, the likelihood of behavioral deviations is high.

Pathogenesis

The physiological prerequisites for the formation of behavioral disorders in children are changes in the activity of neurotransmitters, an excess of testosterone, and metabolic changes. As a result, focus is disrupted nerve transmission, an imbalance between the processes of inhibition and excitation develops. The child is agitated for a long time after frustration or is unable to activate volitional functions (directed attention, memorization, thinking). With proper upbringing and a friendly environment, physiological characteristics are leveled out. Frequent conflicts, lack of close trusting relationships, stress become triggers for the implementation of biological characteristics and the development of RP.

Classification

IN International classification diseases 10 (ICD-10) behavioral disorders are highlighted in a separate section. It includes:

• RP limited to the family. Characterized by dissocial, aggressive behavior that occurs within the home, relationships with mother, father, and household members. In the courtyard, kindergarten, school deviations appear extremely rarely or are absent.
• Unsocialized conduct disorder. Manifests itself through aggressive actions and behavior towards other children (classmates, classmates).
• Socialized conduct disorder. Aggressive and antisocial actions are committed as part of a group. There are no difficulties with intra-group adaptation. Includes group delinquency, truancy, and stealing with other children.
• Oppositional defiant disorder. Typically for young children, it is manifested by pronounced disobedience and a desire to break off relationships. There are no aggressive, dissocial behaviors or offenses.

Symptoms of conduct disorder in children

Behavioral disorders have three main manifestations: reluctance to obey adults, aggressiveness, antisocial orientation - activity that violates the rights of others, causing harm to property and personality. It is important to take into account that these manifestations are possible as a variant of the norm; disobedience is determined in most children and is characteristic of crisis stages of development. The disorder is indicated by persistent (from six months) and excessive manifestation of symptoms.

Children with behavioral disorders often argue with adults, get angry, do not control emotions, tend to transfer blame to another person, are touchy, do not obey rules and requirements, purposefully annoy others, and take revenge. There is often a desire to destroy and damage other people's things. Threats and intimidation of peers and adults are possible. Teenagers with RP provoke fights, brawls with weapons, break into other people's cars and apartments, start arson, show cruelty towards people and animals, wander, and skip school.

Clinical symptoms include depressed, dysphoric mood, hyperactivity, manifested by decreased attention, anxiety, and impulsivity. Sometimes develop depressive states, suicide attempts are made, self-harm is caused. Destructive behavior negatively affects academic performance, cognitive interest decreases. The child’s popularity in the group is low, there are no permanent friends. Due to problems with the adoption of rules, he does not participate in games or sporting events. Social maladjustment increases conduct disorder.

Complications

Complications of conduct disorders develop in adults. Young men who have not received treatment show aggressiveness, are prone to violence, have an antisocial lifestyle, and often have alcoholic, drug addiction, are involved in criminal groups or commit offenses on their own. In girls, aggressiveness and antisociality are replaced by emotional and personal disorders: neuroses, psychopathy. In both cases, socialization is disrupted: there is no education, no profession, there are difficulties with finding employment and maintaining marital relationships.

Diagnostics

A child psychiatrist diagnoses behavioral disorders in children. The study is based on clinical method. To objectify the data, additional psychodiagnostics are carried out and examination notes are collected. narrow specialists(neurologist, ophthalmologist), characteristics of educators, teachers, law enforcement officials. A comprehensive examination of a child includes the following stages:

• Clinical conversation. The psychiatrist determines the severity, frequency and duration of aggressive, antisocial behavior. Clarifies their character, direction, motivation. Talks with a parent about emotional state child: predominance of sadness, depression, euphoria, dysphoria. Asks about school performance and socialization features.
• Observation. In parallel with the conversation, the doctor observes the child’s behavior and the characteristics of the relationship between him and the parent. Reactions to praise and condemnation are taken into account, and the extent to which current behavior is adequate to the situation is assessed. The specialist pays attention to the parent’s sensitivity to the child’s mood, the tendency to exaggerate existing symptoms, and the emotional mood of the conversation participants. Collecting anamnesis and observing intrafamily relationships make it possible to determine the proportion of biological and social factors in the formation of the disorder.
• Psychodiagnostics. Projective methods, questionnaires are used additionally. They make it possible to identify the state of maladaptation, emotional and personal characteristics, such as aggressiveness, hostility, a tendency to impulsive actions, depression, and anger.

Differential diagnosis of behavioral disorders involves distinguishing them from adaptation disorder, hyperactivity syndrome, subcultural deviations, autism spectrum disorders, and a variant of the norm. To do this, the examination takes into account the presence of recent stress, intentionality of deviant behavior, commitment to subcultural groups, the presence of autism, and the development of cognitive functions.

Treatment of behavioral disorders in children

Treatment is carried out using methods. For severe behavior disorders that do not allow contact to be established, medications are used. A complex approach to eliminate RP involves:

• Behavioral methods. Based on learning theory, principles of conditioning. The techniques are aimed at eliminating unwanted forms of behavior, developing useful skills. A structured, directive approach is used: behavior is analyzed, stages of correction are determined, and new behavioral programs are trained. The child's compliance with the therapist's demands is reinforced.
• Group psychological trainings. Apply after behavioral therapy. Designed to promote the socialization of the child. They are conducted in a playful manner and are aimed at developing skills of interpersonal interaction and problem solving.
• Drug treatment. Preference is given to sedatives plant origin. Concomitant emotional disorders and somatovegetative disorders are corrected with benzodiazepine tranquilizers with a vegetative-stabilizing effect. Antipsychotics are prescribed individually (small dosages).

Treatment of the child should be supplemented with family counseling and social rehabilitation measures. Work with parents is aimed at improving the family microclimate, establishing cooperative relationships with clear boundaries of what is permitted. In the form of training, training is provided in the correct parenting style, which involves focusing on the desired behavior of the child, increasing self-government skills, and coping in conflict situations.

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis for behavioral disorders in children is favorable with systematic psychotherapeutic assistance. It is necessary to understand that the treatment process is unlimited in time, takes several years, and requires periodic medical supervision. Most often, a positive outcome is observed in the presence of deviant behavior in one characteristic, for example, aggressiveness, while maintaining normal socialization and academic performance. The prognosis is unfavorable with early onset of the disorder, a wide range of symptoms, and an unfavorable family environment.

Preventive measures - a favorable family environment, respectful, friendly attitude towards the child, creation of comfortable material and living conditions. It is necessary to promptly diagnose and treat neurological and endocrine diseases, support physical health organization of regular activity (sections, walks), balanced nutrition.