Parents need to realize the rational part of a teen's brain isn't fully developed and won't be until they are 25 years old or so.
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Research shows that adolescents who grow up with high self-esteem are far less likely to abuse drugs or drink, compared with children who grow up without much sense of self-worth.
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Anyone can feel sad or depressed at times. But mood disorders are more intense. They are harder to handle than normal feelings of sadness. Read on to learn more about these types of disorders in teens.
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Major depression goes beyond the day's normal ups and downs. It involves a teen's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns.
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. A child with OCD has obsessive thoughts that are not wanted. The thoughts are linked to fears, such as touching dirty objects.
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A phobia is an excessive fear of a certain object or situation. It's a fear that lasts for at least 6 months. It is a type of anxiety disorder. Here's what you need to know.
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Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. A child with bulimia overeats or binges uncontrollably. This overeating may be followed by self-induced throwing up (purging).
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Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It is a form of self-starvation. Children and teens with this health problem have a distorted body image. They think they weigh too much.
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Besides having trouble with school and relationships, teens taking drugs may display emotional extremes with irritability, anger, and changes in sleep patterns.
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Binge drinkers are most likely found on college campuses, where many students consider a big game or fraternity party an excuse to drink all weekend.
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Talking with your child about drugs, alcohol and tobacco is hard. But you can't afford to ignore these topics. Kids learn about these substances and feel pressure to use them at a very young age.
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DXM is a common ingredient in many cough and cold remedies. It's also become a popular substance to abuse by teens searching for a cheap, easy high. Here's what you should know.
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During the teen years, peer pressure can be very strong. It can push kids to do things that they don't really want to do. This pressure can come from friends or other kids at school. But parents can counter it, if they're ready to help.
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Anger, fear, separation anxiety, a sense of abandonment, self-blame, sadness, and embarrassment are common reactions to divorce for most children.
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Before your teens leave home, teach them to make their own healthcare decisions. One way is to provide information and include them in their own self-care from an early age.
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