Children’s Mental Health

Childhood mental health conditions

Many children occasionally experience fears and worries or display disruptive behaviors. If symptoms are severe and persistent and interfere with school, home, or play activities, the child may be diagnosed with a mental health condition.

Symptoms of mental health conditions change over time as a child grows and may include difficulties with how they feel, their ability to handle emotions, and how they play, learn, speak, and act.

Symptoms for some conditions can start in early childhood, while other do not begin to develop until a bit later in childhood or during the teenage years.

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, talk to a health care provider about getting a comprehensive evaluation for your child to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

• Many mental health disorders are chronic health conditions—conditions that last a long time and often don’t go away completely. They can continue through the lifespan.
• Some conditions may respond quickly to treatment by a trained health care professional and may not recur.
• Without early diagnosis and treatment, children with mental health conditions can have problems at home, in school, and in forming friendships.
• Mental health conditions can also interfere with a child’s healthy development, causing problems that can continue into adulthood.

Diagnosis is often made in the school years but can sometimes be earlier, depending on the condition. However, some children with a mental health condition may not be recognized or diagnosed as having one.

Types of mental health conditions

Among the more common mental health conditions that can be diagnosed in childhood are anxiety disorders (fears or worries), depressive disorders, and behavior disorders. Health care and mental health professionals use the guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual1 to help diagnose mental health conditions in children.

Good physical and mental health is important for all children and can be especially important for children living with mental health conditions. In addition to receiving necessary treatment, practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors may reduce the symptoms your child might experience. Here are some healthy behaviors that may help:

• Engaging in regular physical activity, including aerobic and vigorous exercise
• Eating a healthful diet centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (for example, beans, peas, and lentils), lean protein sources, and nuts and seeds
• Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night based on age
• Strengthening relationships with family members, friends, and the community

Childhood mental health conditions can be treated and managed. Many treatment options are based on the best and most current medical evidence.

Parents and doctors should work closely with everyone involved in the child’s treatment—teachers, coaches, therapists, and other family members. Taking advantage of all available resources will help parents, health professionals, and educators guide the child toward success.