Gaging whether your child is going through the normal hormonal insanity of growing up or whether there is something genuinely wrong with them can be one of the toughest observations for a parent to make. Knowing what the warning signs are for true mental disturbance is the key.

Every child throws fits, gets moody, and in general fits the profile for about a dozen different types of psychosis. So how do you tell genuine imbalance from that which is caused naturally growing up?

There are dozens of signs, and you should certainly see a psychologist if you suspect anything. Some signs include:

1. Violent Episodes-This is something most kids display in small amounts. What you have to do is figure out what prompted the violence. Is it merely a glorified temper tantrum, childish fighting, something like that? It is only when the bursts of rage are preceded by nothing that would provoke a normal child that you should think of consulting a professional.

2. Blackouts-Does your child remember their episodes and tantrums? If not, this might be a sign of a severe condition that needs to be checked out right away.

3. Completely different personality types-This is more than just the bi-polar disorder many children exhibit. This is the child displaying different habits and tendencies, seeming like a different person, remembering particular events but forgetting others. This could be an early sign of Multiple Personality Disorder.

There are more signs than this but you get the jist of it. A basic grounding in psychology will aid you greatly in this, and if you have any doubts, the first thing you should do is pick up a book on the subject and start making associations. The second? Call a professional.

Learn more about this author, Royce Radcliffe.
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