The term psychological disorder, mostly known as mental disorders or psychiatric disorders. A psychological disorder is a condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. There are many "physical" factors, including heredity and brain chemistry, which might be involved in the development of a mental disorder (Cherry, 2019). These disorders have a negative impact on the patient's life progress and cause symptoms of distress.
It is more difficult to identify mental disorders in children than in adults. Since children are different from adults, they experience many physical, mental and emotional changes as they grow up. They are also learning how to deal with, adapt to, and relate to others and the world around them (Scott, Mihalopoulos, Erskine, Roberts & Rahman, 2016).
Furthermore, according to Scott et al. (2016), each child matures at his or her own pace, and what is considered as "normal" in children, decreases within a wide range of behavior and talents. For these reasons, any analysis of a mental disorder must consider how well a child functions at home, within the family, at school, and with peers, as well as the child's age and symptoms. Some of the disorders can occur in adults as well as children. Others begin in childhood only, although they can continue into adulthood. As Cherry (2019) states, it is unusual for a child to have more than one disorder. Thus, considering the sensitivity of childhood, examining psychological factors in a patient's childhood is crucial.
The root of many psychological illnesses must be traced back in to the childhood of every human being, on the other words childhood mental problems are the prelude to mental problems in adulthood. What’s more interesting is “new research suggests the seeds of psychological problems are planted well before birth” (Weir, 2012, p.36). According to Swanson and Wadhwa (2008) "Many complex common disorders in adults have their origins in fetal development and in early childhood” (p.35). Extensive studies by specialists have shown that the relationship between pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, fetal life, birth, and neonatal has lasting effects on later behavior in human life. Even mothers' diet during pregnancy, in addition to meeting the fetus's biological needs, is also effective on the behavioral basis of the baby (Swanson & Wadhwa, 2008, p.24). In addition, environmental risk factors during pregnancy, such as maternal smoking, alcohol use or exposure to toxins (such as lead, pesticides, etc.) are associated with brain pathology and adverse behavioral consequences (Swanson & Wadhwa, 2008, pp.18-20). Therefore, given the inherent complexity of examining the subject of children's mental health and mental disorders and the enduring effects that they have on adulthood, keeping women away from environmental risk factors during pregnancy and health care is crucial.
Research has shown that adverse effects during pregnancy, including infections, exposure to toxins and maternal stress, can increase the risk of the future of the fetus for problems such as depression, anxiety, autism, mood disorders and hyperactivity disorder (Weir, 2012, p.36). For example, Schizophrenia, is one of the mental illnesses associated with antenatal events and is often thought of as a genetic disorder. Alan Brown, MD, MPH, professor of psychiatry and epidemiology at Columbia University and the New York State Institute of Psychiatry, found that a variety of early life events significantly increases the risk of schizophrenia. According to this study, this risk is three times higher in people whose mothers had the flu during pregnancy, while maternal iron deficiency in pregnancy increases the risk of offspring four times. Using data from a Dutch birth cohort, Brown found that people whose mothers were deficient in nutrition during pregnancy had a significantly increased risk of major emotional disorders such as mania and depression that required hospitalization (as cited in Weir, 2012, p.36). This information can undoubtedly help in the eradication of many psychological disorders. As Weir (2012) clamed, researchers understand the underlying biological processes of the link between pregnancy and behavioral disorders. Findings that could point to new instructions in the field of mental illness and behavioral disorders, and may even offer methods to prevent. “Something as simple as good prenatal care—from flu shots to proper nutrition—may help to prevent the biological chain reactions that underlie many psychological problems” (p.36). In general, improving the maternal immune status can help the child's mental health.
In addition to sensitivities during pregnancy and before a baby is born, events that occur in early childhood are linked to ongoing mental health problems. For instance, mistreatment of children increases the chance of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder in adulthood) Scott et al. 2016). Extensive studies have been conducted on the behavioral responses of children in the first months of birth. The results show that in the first few months of life, children exhibit different emotions such as interest, satisfaction or distress (Weir, 2012). By the end of the first year, a collection of more subtle emotional reactions, including happiness, satisfaction, sadness, disgust, surprise, interest, and sadness. At about the age of eight months, the baby starts to get anxious the most (Cherry, 2019). Therefore, the first signs of behavioral disorders can be seen in the baby from the very first months of birth.
Statistics show “about 17% of all children suffer from a mental disorder in early childhood, defined as the period up to the age of 6 years” (Klitzing, Döhnert & Grube, 2015, p.1). Numerous clinical as well as experimental studies have been carried out on the formation of diseases in childhood. Studies expose “a 16–18% prevalence of mental disorders among children aged 1 to 5 years, with somewhat more than half being severely affected”) Klitzing et al., 2015, p.3). Likewise, Klitzing et al. (2015) argue that, “in children up to age 2, disorders of emotional and motor regulation are common (ca. 7%), as are feeding problems (25%), which persist in 2% of children to meet the diagnostic criteria for a feeding disorder” (p.2).
There is evidence that many disorders that occur during the first year of a child's life, are commonly known as transient disorders but have lasting effects on the child. For example, infant colic "baby screaming" has continued for about one-third of cases beyond the first year and may present a risk of behavioral disorders in other years (Klitzing et al., 2015, p.3). Another serious mental illness among children is reactive attachment disorder, which is particularly common in orphanages and kindergartens and in children whose parents have divorced. In addition, preschool children can develop anxiety and depression disorders, as well as hyperactivity and behavioral disorders) Klitzing et al., 2015, p.2). These behavioral reactions are directly related to their growing up environment in the family, and in particular the parent's relationship with each other and with the child. As Klitzing et al. (2015) claim, parent training and parent–child psychotherapy have been initiate to be effective treatments but “there is no evidence that psychotropic drugs are effective in early childhood” (p.2). Generally, early childhood should be considered as one of the most important periods of personality development and psychiatric disorders.
As the baby grows, along with biological changes, behavioral changes begin. Also to include, environmental factors may increase the risk of mental illness. According to Ciechomski, Blashki and Tonge (2005), early childhood effective disorders are associated with externalizing disorders when a child reaches school age. “Community samples in the USA have found prevalence rates of 4.6% for anxiety and 5.7% for behavioral disorders in children aged 9–10 years. School refusal may occur in approximately 1–5% of school-aged children” (p.2). Unfortunately, the growth of mental and social problems has increased in recent years. As Ciechomski et al. (2005), in child-specific settings, the number of psycho social problems identified in young children has increased over the past two decades, and the use of psychotropic drugs has increased (p.2). Some common childhood disorders include childhood anxiety disorders, separation and school anxiety disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, autism and intellectual disability (Scott et al. 2016). Given the importance of childhood in the development of behavioral disorders in adulthood, it is necessary to investigate the common problems in this period.
Anxiety disorders that are characterized by excessive or inappropriate fears are one of the most common disorders known in children. Children with this disorder have clinical symptoms such as anxiety, fear of separation from parents and home, school refusal, unwillingness to be home alone, physical complaints and restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbance etc. (Ciechomski et al. 2005, p.3). Additionally, this disease has many different forms and is abundant in adults. As Cherry (2019) writes, in one survey published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, it was estimated that as many as 18 percent of American adults suffer from at least one anxiety disorder. Another common disorder is “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” or in short “ADHD”. ADHD is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood and consists a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior (Scott et al. 2016). Some of the known symptoms according to Edwards (2019), include; the patients often do not listen, avoid difficult tasks, easily distracted, disorganized and forgetful, leave seat in classroom, run about or climb in inappropriate situations, have difficulty playing quietly, have problems waiting turn and often interrupt others etc.
However, no specific cause has yet been identified for this disease but “biological and environmental factors that may raise one's risk of developing or being diagnosed with the disorder” (Edwards, 2019). Moreover, it is conceivable that people with ADHD are susceptible to other mental disorders. Edwards (2019) insisted that, these people “are at a higher risk for having anxiety, depression, mood swings, drug or alcohol abuse issues, interpersonal problems, school problems during childhood, as well as some long-term medical, legal, and employment problems during adolescence and adulthood”. In addition to the medications that often treat ADHD, behavioral therapy, school accommodation, and parent counseling can also play a role in the child's recovery process (Ciechomski et al. 2005, p.4). Some useful and basic questions for parents to identify ADHD in their children; “Does your child appear to have trouble listening to you? Does your child appear to have difficulty following through on tasks? Does your child interrupt you and have problems waiting his/her turn? Does he/she appear easily distracted or forgetful? Does he/she appear to be hyperactive or constantly on the go? Is he/she often fidgety, runs, or climbs excessively? Do these problems occur at home as well as at school and in other situations?” (Ciechomski et al. 2005, p.6). Thus, the home environment and the role of parents in identifying and treating the disease can be very effective.
Another common disease that is commonly seen before the age of 18 is a condition known as conduct disorder. The person with the disease exhibits aggressive behaviors (animal cruelty, fights and bullying), destructive behaviors (fires and sabotage), violates the basic laws of others, including anti-social behavior and even fleeing home (Scott et al. 2016). A well-known name for "autism" is another childhood illness that parents usually notice during their first three years of their child’ life. It is a type of developmental disorder that is caused by social interaction and communication, with limited and repetitive behavior (Cherry, 2019). Abnormal body or facial expressions, prevention of eye contact or poor eye contact, language impairment, delayed learning, and inappropriate social interaction are well-known symptoms of the disease (Scott et al. 2016). Intellectual disability (or Intellectual Developmental Disorder) is another psychological disorder argued. Intellectual disability is a type of mental disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem solving) and in adaptive behavior (Edwards, 2019). According to Cherry (2019) this disability originates before the age of 18 and an intellectual disability describes below-average IQ (usually under 70) and a lack of skills needed for daily living. This condition used to be called “mental retardation”. In general, mental disorders that are rooted in childhood are much broader and more varied than these are, so the discussion in this field of psychology has gained wide scope.
Given the substantial shortage of data and information in many geographic regions as well as cultural variations and economic problems in clarification and measurement, it is difficult to assess the global epidemiology of mental disorders (Scott et al. 2016). This concern is intensified when examining mental disorders in children compared to adults. According to Scott et al. (2016), some regions, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, have no information whatever for some disorders or no statistics for specific disorders in childhood. While regional differences may exist, the lack of data makes them difficult to determine. The global prevalence of childhood mental disorders in 2010 is shown, “ADHD, conduct disorder, and autism were more prevalent in males; females were more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders and ADHD were more common in adolescents compared with children” (Scott et al. 2016). Studies show that population growth and aging have an impact on the burden of childhood mental illness. As the world population of children increases, the burden of illness due to mental disorders in children increases (Ciechomski et al. 2005, p.7). As children with mental disorders in adulthood are more prone to psychological problems, the likelihood of unemployment, social disorders and … (Scott et al. 2016). Therefore, efforts to address mental health problems, improve parental skills coinciding with school help and apply treatment methods have the greatest potential to reduce mental disorders.
The treatments generally divide into two distinct categories: “non-medication treatments” and “medication treatment”. Although medications are often prominent in most of the treatments there are a number of other evidence-based treatments without drugs (Edwards, 2019). Physical factors, even if only mild, are important in the diagnosis and treatment of early childhood mental disorders. Motor abnormalities such as language deficits and other specific developmental disorders should be appropriately treated using speech therapy, physiotherapy, or organ therapy (Scott et al. 2016). According to Klitzing et al. (2015), since most mental disorders are very complex, specialists, physicians, psychologists, and interdisciplinary teams should perform their diagnostic evaluation. “The evaluation should include an assessment of potential disorders along three axes biological, social, and psychological” (p.29). After concluding, a definitive treatment plan should be developed that includes not only the current problem but also the goal of preventing recurrence in later ages. Mental health professionals typically work with parents through specialized training in parenting skills or through family therapy to strengthen and support the family structure, provide ways to manage child behaviors at home, promote child self-esteem, and more (Klitzing et al. 2015, p.30). As a result, parent–child psychotherapy and parent training are effective techniques of treatment for interaction and mental disorders in early childhood.
Medical professionals can also help teachers develop ways to encourage and strengthen a child's strengths, reduce child productive behaviors, and maximize a child's academic success (Scott et al. 2016). Besides, using a few simple words like "I'm proud of you!", "You can do it", "I really enjoy asking how much you like to ask", "You're making great progress", "I believe in you", can be effective in the treating process of a child (Edwards, 2019). On the other hand, child maltreatment in any form of physical or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent behavior, commercial abuse or other, causes real or potential harm to the health of the child. Applying such, behavior to children with mental disorders not only does not help with their treatment but also has an adverse effect on the treatment process (Cherry, 2019). Overall, psychological disorders can disrupt daily functioning, relationships, work, school, and other important areas. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and treatment, people can get rid of their symptoms and find effective ways of coping.
In conclusion, the cornerstone of each person's personality and behavior is laid out in their childhood. More precisely, the timing of embryo formation in the womb. For this reason, the mental health of mothers is an important factor in the physical, cognitive and social development of their offspring. Early pregnancy care that targets mothers' mental health problems can prevent mental illness in children, so they are important. The causes of mental disorders include both genetic and brain symptoms, as well as acquired or experienced causes. Often a disorder develops from childhood to adulthood, but the impact of most behavioral disorders in children generally continues until adulthood. If psychiatric disorders are not diagnosed in childhood and no treatment is taken, in the future they will lead to academic failure, lack of confidence, and even social abnormalities and corruption in society. Since childhood mental disorders have an important economic and social burden globally, special attention must be paid to preventing later life problems in childhood so that one can pass through this period of health. Because families and schools have a significant impact on controlling children’s behavioral disorders, implementation of programs to deal with mental disorders in children should be strategically placed.
References
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