1 in 10 (10%) or about six million people in the United States have had emotional disturbances at some point in their life. School-aged kids and adults experience this disorder in varying degrees.

In School-Aged Children

One in 10 children in the United States experience emotional disturbance. They are most likely to require treatment and appropriate mental health services.3

Data showed that 5.4% of students with disabilities in the school year 2018-19 were identified with emotional disturbance. States reported a range from 1.6% to 17.36% of students with disabilities identified with various emotional disturbance disorders.4

In Adults

Emotional disturbance in adults is relatively standard. Young adults aged 18-25 years had the highest prevalence of emotional disorder (9.7%) compared to adults aged 26-46 years (6.9%) and aged 50 and older (3.4%). While major depression can develop at any age, the average onset is the mid-20s. Approximately 18% of adults ages 18-54 each year have severe emotional disorders.5

Anxiety can be excessive, persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming. It is an irrational fear which involves everyday situations. These pointers indicate that an individual may have an anxiety disorder, but this is not always the case.

The term "anxiety disorder" covers several difficulties, sharing irrational fear as a core sign. These include panic disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia), and specific phobias.

These are severe medical conditions that cause dramatic mood swings, often with periods of normal moods. Extreme changes in energy and behavior disorders go along with these mood changes. They range from depressive lows to manic highs. The term is also known as manic-depressive illness. Psychosocial treatment over time can stabilize these mood swings. 

Children and adolescents with signs of this disorder have great difficulty behaving in a socially acceptable way. It involves a group of repetitive and persistent emotional and behavioral problems. Individuals with conduct disorders have great difficulty in showing empathy. These persons show aggression toward both people and animals, destroy properties, and find it hard to adhere to rules and societal norms. 

Childhood-onset and adulthood onset are categories under this. If the latter is not treated quickly, it could lead to a poorer prognosis. 

They are characterized by extremes in eating behavior disorders, varying from eating too much or too little. In addition, feelings of extreme distress or concern about body weight or shape at times develop as signs of this condition. 

Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa are the two most common eating disorders. The latter is characterized by self-starvation, while the former is characterized by frequent binge eating cycles. Both conditions can be potentially life-threatening.

OCD is sometimes considered an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts and compulsive, repetitive behaviors. Repetitive behaviors such as counting, cleaning, etc., are often performed. These actions, however, provide only temporary relief, and non-performance increases anxiety. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be a result of chemical imbalance in the brain.

Disconnection from reality characterizes these disorders. Psychosis may occur as a result of a psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia. It causes abnormal thinking and perceptions. Two main symptoms of this disorder are: 6

Anew Treatment Center in St. Paul, MN, offers health services. From residential to outpatient treatment programs. Our services are specifically designed to help individuals seek help, recover, and manage various mental health conditions.

For the effective treatment of emotional disturbances, expert care is needed. We at Anew Treatment Center are experienced in handling acute conditions, such as emotional and behavioral disorders. Call us today.