Brain Disorders and Mental Health — Information from AboutKidsHealth
GUEST BLOG: Alisha Papineau, AboutKidsHealth
To mark Brain Awareness Week, which takes place between March 11 and 17, AboutKidsHealth is sharing information on brain disorders and how they affect a person’s mental health, as well as which treatments can be helpful.
Brain disorders
A brain disorder is an underlying genetic or medical condition, a brain injury or an illness that affects the brain and how it develops before birth and throughout childhood development. The brain can also be affected by certain medical treatments (e.g., negative effects of treatments for leukemia, a brain tumour or other childhood cancers) and exposure to certain toxins (e.g., carbon monoxide).
Some common brain disorders include:
• Brain injury from trauma to the head, stroke, lack of oxygen or infection
• Neurological conditions, such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, epilepsy or a brain tumour
• Medical conditions, such as prematurity or diabetes
• Exposure to alcohol, smoking or certain drugs before birth
• Exposure to lead, street drugs or poisonous gases
Effects on mental health
As the brain manages the most complex of human functions, like thinking, problem solving, emotions, consciousness and social behaviour, a brain disorder may result in the following:
Brain Awareness Week March 11 - 17
• Attention deficit disorder (ADHD) — one of the most common diagnoses after an illness or injury that affects the brain.
• Symptoms of depression and anxiety — sometimes a brain injury can cause a child or teen to get stuck on persistent negative thoughts.
• Social struggles — the affected child or teen may have difficulties communicating and knowing how to act with other kids.
A brain disorder can alter a child’s typical development, which may contribute to mental health issues related to learning and behaviour. The stress of coping with a brain disorder can also lead to mental health issues in the affected child or teen and their family.
A neuropsychological assessment can help to better focus school plans and medical treatment, help educators and caregivers understand potential areas of future difficulty, and can provide suggestions on how best to support children’s mental health. It is also important to consult with therapists or other mental health professionals as needed.
Treatment options include parenting support, behaviour therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and medications. Learn more in “Brain disorders and mental health: Overview”.
AboutKidsHealth is SickKids’ health-education website and features more than 3,500 articles on a range of paediatric health topics. Find more information on brain disorders and mental health at aboutkidshealth.ca/mentalhealth.
