Adolescence is a period of active physiological, psychological and social changes.

At this time, the foundations of personality, value system, self-awareness and attitude to the world are formed. That is why adolescents are especially vulnerable to various mental disorders.

Among the causes of their occurrence, the influence of parents plays a significant role – both genetic inheritance and educational methods that shape the psycho-emotional environment of the child.

1. Genetic factors of mental disorders

Many mental diseases have a hereditary predisposition. This does not mean that the disease will necessarily be transmitted to the child, but the risk of its development increases significantly.

1.1. Hereditary mental disorders

Mental diseases, the predisposition to which can be transmitted genetically, include: Depressive disorders and bipolar affective disorder; Schizophrenia; Anxiety disorders; Eating disorders; Addictions (alcohol, drug, gambling).

Scientific studies show that if one of the parents suffers from depression or anxiety disorder, the risk of developing such conditions in a child can increase by 2–3 times.

1.2. Biological mechanisms

Genetic factors affect: the functioning of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine), the level of stress hormones, the structure of the brain, in particular the frontal lobes, which are responsible for controlling emotions. In combination with adverse social conditions, this can trigger the development of mental disorders.

2. Upbringing and psychological environment in the family

Even without a genetic predisposition, improper upbringing or a toxic atmosphere in the family can be a decisive factor in the development of mental disorders in adolescents.

2.1. Types of dysfunctional upbringing

Authoritarian upbringing – excessive control, punishment, lack of emotional warmth. Leads to anxiety, low self-esteem, aggression.

Hyperopia – the child does not learn to make decisions independently, dependent behavior is formed.

Ignoring or emotional coldness – causes a feeling of uselessness, loneliness, which leads to depression.

Instability in the behavior of parents (for example, due to alcoholism or mental problems of one of them) creates a constant feeling of anxiety.

2.2. Conflicts in the family

Regular quarrels, violence, divorce of parents, lack of support and trust form in adolescents: loss of a basic sense of security; emotional instability; tendency to self-destructive behavior (suicidal thoughts, addictions, self-harm).

2.3. Parental behavior model

Children often copy the emotional reactions of adults. If parents demonstrate: aggression, depression, isolation, then with a high probability similar traits will appear in the teenager.

3. The combination of genetics and upbringing

Modern psychology believes that mental disorders most often arise at the intersection of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. For example, if a child has a hereditary predisposition to anxiety, then stressful upbringing or a conflict environment can “activate” this risk. On the contrary, support, understanding and stability can compensate for even a strong genetic predisposition.

4. Consequences for the teenager

Mental disorders in adolescence are manifested by: frequent mood swings, isolation, loss of interests; problems with learning and concentration; aggression or self-destruction; suicidal thoughts; addictions (digital, chemical).

If help is not provided, these conditions can turn into chronic disorders of adulthood.

5. Prevention and the role of parents

To reduce the risk of developing mental problems in adolescents, it is important to: Maintain emotional contact – listen and accept the child without judgment.

Create a stable atmosphere in the family – avoid violence, constant quarrels.

Be an example of healthy behavior – show ways to constructively resolve conflicts.

Contact specialists – if alarming symptoms appear, do not be shy about psychological or psychiatric help.

Build trust – so that the teenager is not afraid to talk openly about his problems.

Conclusion

The mental health of a teenager is the result of a complex interaction of biological and social factors. Parents play a key role: they can both transmit a certain genetic predisposition and create an environment that either contributes to the development of mental disorders or helps to avoid them. Understanding this responsibility, love, support and timely response are the basis for the formation of a healthy, stable personality of a future adult.

Doctor-psychiatrist Yuriy Konchenko