Brain disorders are the most common psychological disorders that can affect childhood. The rate of psychiatric disorder among children with brain damage is related to the severity of the damage and is most likely to occur in children with a brain injury if they encounter adverse psychological influences. If your child has been diagnosed with a serious emotional disorder (SED), a neurobiological brain disorder (NBD) or any other mental illness, you need to take care of his/her personal needs and be supportive. You need to be a part of the treatment process and provide understanding and cooperation as your child receives mental health care and education from special communities.

Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED):

This is a broad term that is used by various school systems to categorize students with a wide range of psychological and behavioral disorders and mental health problems. These problems can be the outcome of sociological or environmental issues such as abuse, neglect, or emotional or adjustment issues.

Neurobiological Brain Disorders (NBD):

Neurobiological brain disorders and mental illness is a term that is used to describe a number of brain disorders that are likely to cause instability in thinking, feeling and relating. These disorders can reduce the capacity for coping with day to day life. They include Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, attention deficit disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, major depression, autism and pervasive developmental disorders.

How to help your child:

If you suspect your child is suffering from a brain disorder or if a teacher or school counselor suggests your child be shown to a mental health professional, you must do the needful. You must understand that mental illness can affect anyone at any point of time irrespective of age, gender, race, creed etc.

You must look for a good psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker who has past experience in handling similar cases and get your child treated at the earliest.

Your child’s doctor would extend therapy as well as appropriate medication or both.

Watch out for Symptoms:

It is essential for parents to recognize the symptoms of a mental disorder in their child at the earliest in order to give him appropriate treatment.

Declining grades in school.

Worry or anxiety shown when asked to go to school.

Not taking part in activities and games that are considered normal at the child’s age.

Hyperactivity characterized by regular playing, fidgeting or walking when other are seated.

Recurring nightmares.

Disobedience or aggression.

Frequent, unexplainable temper tantrums.