Adolescent Disorders

Adolescent disorders may include depression, anxiety, bipolar mood disorder, substance use or addictions, and eating disorders.

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The impact of adolescent disorders

Little can prepare a family for the devastating effects of living with a child trapped in a painful cycle of low self-worth, low moods, and self-destruction.

However it manifests – for example, isolation from the family, substance use, an eating disorder, or self-harm – the outcome is often the same and seen through the slow and painful erosion of trust and even mutual respect, the inevitable build-up of anger and frustration on both sides, and possibly the breakdown of the family unit.

For parents

The constant anxiety can be overwhelming and exhausting; the helplessness paralysing and terrifying. There is nothing more heartbreaking than not being able to help your child.

Disorders/mental health struggles adolescents may experience

Sometimes, the symptoms an adolescent may show will differ from those of an adult, particularly when they are still learning how to recognise and manage their emotions. In addition to this, adolescence can already be fraught with hormonal changes and self-discovery.

Adolescents may experience a range of disorders or mental health problems, including:

Anxiety

Intense, persistent feelings of worry or fear about everyday situations may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

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Bipolar mood disorder

Characterised by unusual or extreme shifts in mood, energy, and the ability to manage day to day life.

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Depression

Constant, sustained low mood and feelings of hopelessness or apathy may be indicative of a depressive disorder.

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Eating disorders

Eating habits that are continuous, excessive, uncontrolled, or insufficient, and are associated with a negative body image.

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Substance use
disorders / addiction

Addictions can be related to a substance such as alcohol or drugs or may be behavioural.

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For more information, please contact us.

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Take a self-assessment

Our adolescent self-assessment is designed especially for young people, and can help you to understand more about how you're feeling and help you find the assistance you may need.

Complete self-assessment

Treatment programmes for adolescent disorders

The treatment programme in the adolescent unit is a holistic one focused on treating the individual adolescent patient in the context of their various environments, including family, school, friends, and community.

The programme combines individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy where required, skills development, mindfulness, therapeutic relaxation, and leisure/social activities.

Adolescent
general psychiatry

Programmes tailored for young people aged 12 - 18, to help them with substance abuse or addictive behaviours.

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Adolescent dual
diagnosis/addictions

We provide help and relief for adolescents who suffer from substance abuse or addictive behaviours.

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Adolescent
eating disorders

Treating adolescents who are suffering from eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

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Get in touch

As part of our commitment to providing the best and safest care to all of our patients, we listen. If you have anything you'd like to ask us, or need assistance accessing our services, please get in touch.