Troubled Teen FAQ

Troubled Teen FAQ Related Information:

What is a troubled teen?

There is no one profile of a troubled teen, but many organizations have come up with a definition of the term “troubled teen”. It usually refers to a teenager who is disrespectful of others, unmotivated at school, does not appreciate anything that is done for him/her, refuses to take responsibility for his/her actions and generally hangs around with other teenagers who act the same way. These teenagers are typically from good homes with hard working parents who do everything they can for their children. Very often a teenager who does not fit any of these descriptions turns out to be one of the people who are often involved in violent crimes, so it is hard to write an accurate definition.

Do troubled teens tend to be introverted or extrovert?

There are two types of troubled teens. The first type is very introverted and does not talk to very many people, especially adults. They eat lunch alone and are often the butt of other student’s jokes. Some teens can deal with this, while others seek revenge. The other type is extroverted and will speak openly about any ideas of violence and will fight back against his/her attackers.

Is depression an issue with these teens?

Depression is one of the unrecognized problems in teenagers. Just because they are young does not mean that they do not have stresses that seem too difficult to cope with. Very often the teen is seen as being angry or sullen and parents get angry with them for behaving in such as way. However, the risk of serious depression in teens is very great and can lead to suicide.

What types of treatments are available for these teens?

There are various options available for treating troubled teens. Most of them need someone to care for them and to listen to their problems and hopefully help them with the answers. Teens that have developed an addiction to drugs and alcohol need to receive rehabilitative treatment in order to become drug and alcohol free. This treatment involved placing the teen into a program or center where he/she will get the medical care needed especially when it comes to the withdrawal that comes with drug abuse. The staff needs to be caring and supportive and willing to help the teen combat the addiction. The main thing to realize is that no one treatment works for all teens.

What are some of the treatment options?

There are a few options available, and the treatment used will be determined by the teen and the reason for the teen’s troubled behaviour. Discipline through places such as boot camps, military and boarding schools is one option. Therapy through counselling is another option. And even prescription medication may be an option in some cases, but this must be determined by the doctor.

What are the signs of various teen disorders?

Many parents ignore the warning signs that their teenager is in trouble and needs help. They do not want to admit that there is something wrong. Some of the signs they should be looking for are:

• Physical symptoms such as fatigue, red eyes, persistent cough
• Emotional symptoms such as changes in moods or personality, depression, low self-esteem, irritability
• Family problems such as starting arguments, refusing to accept authority, having a negative attitude
• School problems such as decreased interest, low grades all of a sudden, getting in trouble at school

• Social problems, such as hanging out with a new group of friends who are not good influences, getting in trouble with the law.

Other signs of a teen disorder can include:

• Having a history of sudden outbursts of temper and violence
• Using abusive language to other teenagers and adults
• Making threats of violence when he/she is angry
• Taking a weapon to school
• Having serious disciplinary problems within the school and community
• Abusing drugs and alcohol
• Being obsessed with weapons
• Being cruel to animals
• Being constantly bullied or made fun of
• Becoming obsessed with watching violent TV shows and movies
• Becoming part of a gang
• Having mood swings or exhibiting signs of depression
• Threatening or attempting suicide