If you have a notion that your troubled teenager may have a mental disorder but haven’t a clue as to what disorder he/she may be suffering from, take note of which of the following physical characteristics and/or behavioral characteristics apply to your teenager.
PHYSICAL
- characterized by a body weight less than 85 percent of what is considered normal
- teeth discoloration (caused by the stomach acids from induced vomiting)
- skin rashes from too much washing
- yellowish pallor
- heartburn
- problems with sleeping
- (in females) the absence of three consecutive menstrual periods
- obvious weight changes in a small amount of time/ extreme changes in weight
- serious weight gain
- significant hair loss
- irregular heartbeat
- growth of lanugo (a soft texture of hair that grows as a result of starvation in an effort to keep the body warm)
- faintness
- high cholesterol
- puffiness around the eyes
- amenorrhea or irregular menstrual cycles amenorrhea (loss of menstrual period for 3 or more cycles)
- appetite changes
- dry skin and unhealthy nails
- high blood pressure
- low blood pressure
- constipation
- muscle atrophy
- bloating
- bloodshot eyes from self-induced vomiting
- body odor
- wounds or calluses at back of the hand (from self-induced vomiting)
- additional energy, less sleep
- swelling in the limbs
- dehydration
- skin irritations or acne
- higher sexual drive
- hormonal imbalance
- chronic sore throat
- diabetes, heart disease, or gallbladder disease
BEHAVIORIAL
- an exaggerated fear of being fat,
- fidgety
- sessions of bingeing, followed by purging
- demanding
- pre-occupation with wickedness
- strict exercise routines
- anxiety and stress
- he/she repeatedly asks you to check if his/her breath stinks or if there’s something in between his/her teeth
- depression
- school troubles
- bingeing
- resentful
- laxative or diuretic abuse
- gloom
- repeatedly checking things
- isolation during meal times
- not listening
- rude
- insistent
- depression
- problems with temperament
- preoccupation with food and appearance (body weight)
- a compulsion in to save old wrappers or notes
- oppositional
- easily irritated
- overcome with negativity after a binge (feelings of depression or guilt may consume him/her)
- impatient
- hyperactive
- truancy
- quarrelsome
- mood swings
- impulsiveness
- feelings of inferiority, guilt, or uselessness
- not paying attention
- constant worry about little things like leaving keys or parking too close to the curb
- unforgiving
- unfocused
- animal cruelty
- temperamental problems
- self-harm or suicidal tendencies
- stealing
- hopelessness
- lying
- short-tempered
- highly superstitious
- social problems
- immaturity
- hostility
- lack of judgment
- illegal use and/or possession of weapons
- perfectionism
- pessimistic
- animal cruelty
- scheming
- starting fights
- anxiety about shaking hands with others or using bathrooms in public places
- weariness
- preoccupation with food and body
- flashbacks (re-visiting memories of the disturbing incident)
- easily frustrated
- impulsive
- he/she washes or showers much more than anyone else in the family
- “living” in a particular incident more than the present
- an unusually long bathroom routine that consists of certain rituals
- weariness
- abrupt changes in mood
- vengeful
- improper sexual conduct
- improper sexual behavior
- vandalism
- he or she keeps his or her room very clean
- enraged
- an irrational fear of acquiring a disease (for ex. AIDS)
- incapable of functioning normally within society
- self-destructive nature
- violent
- running away
- low self-esteem
- a precise order to many of the things in your teen’s room
- racing ideas
- insomnia
- aggression
- counting and re-counting things
- whining
- hurtful
- repeats him/herself a lot
- anxiety
- sadness
- forceful
- manipulative
- bitter
- reckless spending
- interrupts you/others
- defiant
- showiness, proud feelings
- blameful
- short temper
- little or no food is consumed for extended periods of time,
If you checked the numbers 1, 4, 7, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, under the PHYSICAL section and numbers 1,98 under BEHAVIORAL, your teen may be suffering from
ANOREXIA NERVOSA.
If you checked the numbers 2, 5, 8, 11, 13, 15,16, 21, 23, 24, 26, 29, 32, 33 under the PHYSICAL section and numbers 3, 6, 9, 13, 31,40, 51,58, 65, 81,87 under BEHAVIORAL, your teen may be suffering from
BULIMIA NERVOSA.
If you checked the numbers 8, 9, 14, 19, 25, 28, 30, 34 under the PHYSICAL section and numbers 11, 16, 20, 22, 26 under BEHAVIORAL, your teen may be suffering from
BINGE-EATING DISORDER.
If you checked numbers 2, 7, 17, 19, 27,28,34,37,39, 47, 61,78,93 under the BEHAVIORAL section, your teen may be suffering from ATTENTION DEFICT
HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER.
If you checked numbers 29, 41,43, 50, 53, 55,70, 77 under the BEHAVIORAL section, your teen may be suffering from
CONDUCT DISORDER.If you checked numbers 10, 21,46, 59, 63, 69, 82 under the BEHAVIORAL section, your teen may be suffering from
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.
If you checked number 3 under the PHYSICAL section and numbers 8,15, 23, 35, 45, 56, 62, 64, 71, 73, 79, 83, 86 under the BEHAVIORAL section, your teen may be suffering from
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER.
If you checked numbers 6,17, 27, 31 under the PHYSICAL section and numbers 14, 25, 33, 42, 49, 57, 66,74, 80, 88, 92, 95 under the BEHAVIORAL section, your teen may be suffering from a MOOD DISORDER (DEPRESSION OR BI-POLAR DISORDER)
If you checked numbers 5, 19, 32, 38,48, 54, 68, 75, 84, 90, 97 under the BEHAVIORAL section, your teen may be suffering from
REACTIVE ATTACHMENT DISORDER.
If you checked numbers 4, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 44,52, 60, 67, 72, 76, 85, 89, 91, 94, 96 under the BEHAVIORAL section, your teen may be suffering from
OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER.Remember: Seek the opinion of a mental health professional for a proper diagnosis.
