Common Psychological Disorders of Adolescence

Gr 7 Up—These DVDs introduce teens to the concept of good mental and emotional health. In Common Psychological Disorders of Adolescence, several real teens share their stories and struggles with five common mental health issues: anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and substance abuse disorder. A teen host introduces the stories, indicating that "psychological disorders are just as real as medical disorders." After each personal struggle is related, Dr. Deborah Gatins, an adolescent psychologist, talks about the disorder and its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment in easily understood terms. An important part of her explanation includes the difference between having occasional symptoms of a psychological nature and actually having the disorder. The program concludes with Dr. Gatins encouraging viewers who think they may have a psychological problem to seek help. Who Needs Therapy? follows a similar format, with young people asking questions and receiving answers about how to determine if you have a psychological disorder and the type of treatment available. Again, teens speak about their experiences with therapy and are assured that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but something that takes courage. Of special interest is a segment dealing with bullying. Both programs have an excellent, extensive teacher resource guide that contains a pre- and post-test, activities, and fact sheets. These productions can be used successfully in health or psychology classes and can be shared with parents by guidance counselors or school psychologists.—Ann Brownson, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston