Marlene B. Huff PhD, LCSW

1. Marlene B. Huff PhD, LCSW University of Kentucky Department of Pediatrics Division of Adolescent Medicine

2. Improving Teen Mental Health Presentation at Tates Creek High School Lexington, KY

3. No help = Pain Suffering Failing

4. At least 1 in 5 children and adolescents has a mental health disorder 1 in 10 has a serious disorder 90% of people who develop a mental disorder show warning signs during their teen years

5. HELP =Better academic achievement Less substance abuse Improved chances for their future

6. Everyone Can Make a Difference SchoolStaff Parents Every Adult

8. Angry or aggressivebehaviors

9. Poorconcentration

10. Increasedtardiness or absences

11. Withdrawn Withdrawn

12. Anxious

13. Troubled? Typical?

14. Complex period of rapid change, transition • Challenges: fitting in, defining identity, competing demands (school, home) • Sometimes - other home issues (divorce, violence or substance abuse) Bottom line: May display alterations of mood, distressing thoughts, anxiety, and impulsive behavior. TypicalTeens

15. Experiencing more than normal developmental challenges, inability to form healthy relationships • Without treatment, more likely to have serious problems: • Academic • Relationships • Employment TroubledTeens

16. What causes mentalhealth disorders? biology + environment

17. As you NOTICE signs, ask yourself, are they: • FREQUENT ? • (e.g., student is quiet, withdrawn over multiple days/weeks) • EXTREME ? • (e.g., violent outburst, aggressive behavior) If either: • TALK with student • ACT by communicating what you’ve seen/heard with school MH staff

18. Teen Mental Health Disorders Mood disorders Anxiety disorders Psychotic disorders Behavioral/disruptive disorders

19. CLINICAL DEPRESSION • Deep despair, sadness, crying • 1 in 13 teens experience symptoms BIPOLAR DISORDER • Extreme changes from happy to sad • 1 in 100 teens have it • Hard to diagnose, looks like depression

20. ANXIETY DISORDERS • Overwhelming fear with no cause • Risk is greater with family history EATING DISORDERS • Unrealistic thoughts about weight • 1 in 20 teens suffer; 90% females • Untreated it can result in hospitalization or death

21. SCHIZOPHRENIA • Strange thoughts, unusual behaviors • High functioning, then big decline • Distrustful, no longer social, voices ADHD • Problems paying attention • Can seriously impact ability to learn

22. OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER • Stubborn, argumentative, hostile • Major distraction in the classroom CONDUCT DISORDER • Verbal/physical aggression • Junior sociopaths • End up in detention centers

23. Physicalcomplaints Abuse ofalcohol/drugs Depression Self-injury/ Cutting Threats torun away Aggression Intense fear of becomingobese Frequentoutbursts Nightmares Inability to cope Marked change in school performance Threat to harm self or others Sexualacting out Unusualbehavior

24. Psychiatrists Psychologists Mental Health Counselors

25. Ineffective Coping • Drugs • Sex • Alcohol • Cutting

37. EFFECTIVE TREATMENT Therapy, Medication • Sometimes combination works best No “silver bullet” or quick fix – timeframe depends on: • Severity of disorder • Temperament of child • Family & school support

38. MEDICATION • Used to: • Improve daily functioning • Prevent serious symptoms • Enable therapy to be more effective • Must be used appropriately and only under care of psychiatrist or other physician

39. Effective Mental Health Treatment THERAPY Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Family Therapy Group Therapy

40. External Referral Process When help is needed beyond our school...

41. NOTICE TALK ACT

42. Changing a Life’s Course

43. More Resources for You • www.healthyminds.org • (American Psychiatric Association) • Other Resources • www.aacap.org(American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)

44. Thank you!