Untreated mental health problems affects children – Expert

Untreated mental health problems affect children – Expert
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Children
Abuja, Jan. 30, 2019 (NAN) The National Coordinator, Trauma Awareness Resilience (TAR) Initiative, Mr Francis Onyekwue, has said untreated mental health problems could disrupt children’s functioning at home, school and in the community.
Onyekwue made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
“Without treatment, children with mental health issues are at increased risk of school failure, contact with the criminal justice system, dependence on social services and even suicide.
“Parents and family members are usually the first to notice if a child has problems with emotions or behaviour.
“Your observations, along with those of teachers and other caregivers, can help determine whether you need to seek help for your child,’’ he said.
Onyekwue said children could develop the same mental health conditions as adults, but their symptoms may be different.
He said children could also experience a range of mental health conditions, which includes anxiety disorders, Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Onyekwue said others could be autism spectrum disorder (ASD), eating disorders, mood disorders and schizophrenia.
He said many adults do not believe that children do have mental illness, talk less of know the signs and symptoms of mental illness in children.
“Even if you know the red flags, it can be difficult to distinguish signs of a problem from normal childhood behaviour.
“You might reason that every child displays some of these signs at some point. And children often lack the vocabulary or developmental ability to explain their concerns.
“Concerns about the stigma associated with mental illness, the use of certain medications, and the cost or logistical challenges of treatment might also prevent parents from seeking care for a child who has a suspected mental illness,’’ Onyekwue said.
He said the common treatment options for children who have mental health conditions include psychotherapy, saying it can help a child learn how to respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills.
Onyekwue said the mental health conditions could be addressed by given medication, adding the child could be given stimulants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics or mood stabilisers to treat his or her mental health condition.
He, however, advised Nigerians to consult social workers or mental health providers to determine what might work best for the child, including the risks or benefits of specific medications.
NAN reports that TAR Initiative is an NGO promoting mental health awareness creation and support, with strength on trauma healing.
TAR also provides counselling services and other forms of therapy to clients and referral as the case may be. (NAN)
OEO/AOM/MST
Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Muhammad Suleiman Tola