Factsheet 1: Mental Health Challenges in Young People Anxiety Disorder Social Phobia Symptoms often include nervousness and worrying, avoidance of social situations, and physical complaints (e.g., headaches or stomach aches). The most prevalent condition among adolescents, involving excessive, persistent worry or fear that interferes with daily life.
Post Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms include changes in thinking, emotions and behaviour. Might develop after a child experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. The child might keep reliving the traumatic event.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) that severely disrupt schooling, social life, and family routines Obsessions include unwanted ideas, thoughts, images or urges. Compulsions, also called rituals, are actions the person feels they must perform repeatedly.
Panic Attacks Panic attacks in young people are sudden, intense rushes of fear accompanied by severe physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness. They typically peak during adolescence (ages 15 to 19) and can feel like a medical emergency, though they are not physically dangerous.