Sleep changes (insomnia to hypersomnia)

Appetite changes (loss of to over eating)

Arousal changes (lethargic to manic)

Emotional Sensitivity (blunted to hyper)

Concentration/attention usually decreases

Academic performance usually decreases (anorexia is usually an exception)

Because many disorders share similar symptoms, it is important to get a professional assessment.

Most conditions respond very well to psychotherapy/ counseling and many also respond well to medications.

A combination of medication and counseling is usually the best option.

Disruption

Feelings

Behavior

Family IssuesDeath, separation, long-term unemployment, illness, abuse, frequent moving, alcohol/drug abuse

Peer Relationships

Poor peer acceptance, being an outsider, lack of physical development, fear of relationship with opposite sex, bullying, sexual identity issues

School Issues

Pressure for good grades

Starting a new school

Failing at a sports team/club

Low Self Esteem Isolation Trapped Withdrawn Lonely Depressed Apathy Guilt Fear

◦ Of abuse◦ Of intolerable conditions

Delinquency Eating Disorders Truancy Drug/Alcohol Use Running Away Sexual Activity Social

Withdrawal Suicide Attempt

Many sources can create the same symptomatic behavior.

The same symptomatic behavior can be a part of multiple diagnoses. For example poor concentration can be caused by ◦anxiety◦depression◦PTSD◦substance abuse◦ insomnia

Many behavior signals are typical of “normal adolescent behaviors.”

Diagnosis comes through professional referral.