Signs of a Troubled Teen

Difficulty at Home

• Disrespects family rules
• Loss of interests in family activities
• Frequently is dishonest
• Withdraws from responsibilities
• Deliberately breaks or ruins things that belong to others
• Is verbally or physically abusive
• Has a large need to control everything and/or everyone
• Hoards, sneaks food or has other unusual eating habits
• Does not share whereabouts
• Disregards curfew
• You find items such as small glass vials, plastic baggies, remnants of drugs or roach clips
• Items are missing from your home
• Your teen is asking for extra money or has more money then you think they should

Difficulty with School

• Refuses to go to or regularly skipping school
• Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Developmental Disabilities
• Significant changes in school performance
• Social problems or changes in peer group
• Refuses to complete homework
• Perfectionism, inflexibility or low self esteem
• Has a negative attitude towards sports or other extracurricular activities

Depression and Anxiety

• Dramatic mood swings
• Is overly tired or hyperactive
• Over reacts to criticism
• is not able to keep friends for an age appropriate amount of time
• Acts paranoid or confused
• Rationalizing or blaming others
• Has extreme fears or obsessions

Destructive Behavior

• Acts rebellious, is negative or argumentative
• Inappropriate or risky sexual activity
• Self mutilating behavior
• Acts impulsively without regard to results such as run ins with the law
• Violent temper tantrums or fighting
• Hurting animals or setting fires
• Fascination with weapons