Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and patients often feel as if there is a black curtain around them. They are unable to lift themselves out of their depression. Medication is available to help manage symptoms of depression.
Some of the major symptoms of depression include:
- Lack of Motivation
- Thoughts of Suicide
- Low Self-Esteem
- Inability to Sleep or Sleeping Often
- Problems with Concentration
- Withdrawing from Family and Friends
- Lack of Energy, Inability to Feel Enjoyment
- Preoccupation with Death
- Weight Loss
- Feeling Sad or Empty
Anxiety is the consistently and persistently feeling anxious, apprehension, fear or worry, even when there is no reason to feel that way.
Some common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Feeling anxious for no reason
- Constant worry or tension
- Difficulties concentrating
- Problems sleeping
- Physical ailments caused by worry; headaches, stomachaches, nausea, irritability
Some of the characteristics of Oppositional Defiant Disorder are consistent disobedience, lack of respect for authority figures shown in hostile or defiant behaviors. In order to be diagnosed with ODD, symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. The patterns of behavior are compared to those of children the same age.
Some common symptoms include:
- Easily angered, annoyed or loses temper often
- Defiant behavior toward parents, adults and other authority figures
- Has difficulty making friends
- Argues often
- Vindictive behavior
- Often blames others for own mistakes
- Consistently in trouble in school
Conduct disorder is similar to Oppositional Defiant Disorder but does have some distinct characteristics. It is more common in boys than in girls and is one of the most difficult mental illnesses of childhood.
Some behavior patterns associated with Conduct Disorder include:
- Bullies or intimidates others
- Instigates physical fights
- Cruelty to animals or people
- Stealing, fire setting, or destruction of property,
- Often lies
- Skips school or stays out late despite parental rules to the contrary
- May have run away from home
