Child Development

Understanding childhood mental illness is important for supporting children and helping to treat the conditions afflicting them. This resource is intended to help parents, educators, and other adults better understand childhood mental illness, and to provide them with resources to help a child in need seek a diagnosis and treatment for the condition.

This piece will cover everything from childhood mental health statistics to the most common mental health disorders and their potential causes, as well as the appropriate treatment strategies for each condition.

Note: This resource is not a substitute for the advice or diagnosis of a condition by a licensed doctor or psychologist, and is only intended for informational purposes. If you are concerned that a child is struggling with a mental health condition, contact a licensed health professional to discuss concerns and potential treatments.

Recognizing Mental Illness in Children

Early intervention for children with mental health conditions can help them develop healthy coping mechanisms. However, identifying conditions can be difficult, and puberty, plus the fluctuations of hormones it can bring on, can disguise or confuse a mental illness diagnosis.

Parents or relatives should be familiar with their children’s routines and moods, and sudden changes should warrant further investigation. Puberty can cause some changes in mood and behavior, but significant changes to sleep, eating habits, or school performance are potential warning signs.

In turn, teachers and educators should be cognizant of any sudden changes in a student’s performance or any signs of potential self-harm or the desire to hurt others. Educators with a background in psychology may be able to help students and parents access the necessary resources they need to find treatment.

It’s important to define “child” in this context. Children are classified as those between ages 3 and 18, and the term “youth” or young person is often reserved for those between ages 13 and 24. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Britannica define adolescents as anyone between ages 10 and 19.

Regardless of the age of the child, mental health conditions are not temporary diagnoses for most people. Even if a child is going through puberty or another stressful life event, waiting to see if the child will “grow out of it” can be more harmful to the child’s overall development. Early intervention and treatment for mental health conditions is key. Luckily, there are many resources available to help college students and young adults with mental health conditions, but children and adolescents might struggle to get the help they need without assistance from a family member, teacher, or friend.

Signs of Mental Illness in Children

Recognizing mental health conditions can be difficult, but according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), there are some tell-tale warning signs adults can look for, including:

• Severe mood swings that create issues in relationships or at school.
• Intense worries or a sense of impending doom that get in the way of a child’s normal daily activities, including class, hanging with friends, sports, etc.
• Signs of sadness or withdrawal for longer than two weeks, including crying regularly, lack of motivation or energy, feelings of fatigue, feeling worthless or hopeless, etc.
• Overwhelming fear for no reason, often accompanied by a quickened heart rate, physical discomfort, or hastened breathing.
• Significant changes in personality, behavior, or sleeping habits, such as waking up early, acting agitated, increased aggression, or lack of sleep altogether (insomnia).
• Difficulty concentrating or remaining still in school, leading to poor work performance or failure in classes.
• Discussions of self-harm or signs of self-harm, as well as making a plan to kill or harm oneself or attempts to do it, should be a major red flag for parents and educators.
• Participating in out-of-control or high risk-taking behavior that causes harm to the self or others.
• Lack of eating, signs of throwing up or utilizing laxatives to lose weight, or signs of significant weight loss or weight gain can signal an eating disorder as well as body dysmorphia.
• Signs of repetitive use of drugs or alcohol.

However, it is also important to understand the unique differences between childhood, adolescent, and adult mental illness. According to the Lindner Center of Hope, the key differences between adult and adolescent mental health include:

• Adults are often more withdrawn when experiencing depression, even withdrawing from groups of friends. Teenagers, however, may become more withdrawn from family, but may still be close with friends at school.
• Teens with depression may experience a significant change in sleep patterns, but are less likely to develop insomnia compared to adults with depression.
• Teenagers may be more likely to express irritability or anger when struggling with anxiety, depression, or related conditions, whereas adult are more likely to express sadness, feelings of worthlessness, and become increasingly withdrawn from those around them.

Children’s Mental Health Statistics

Below are various statistics on the frequency and prevalence of mental illness in children, adolescents, and youths.

• According to WHO: “Worldwide 10-20% (1 in 5) of children and adolescents experience mental disorders. Half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14 and three-quarters by the mid-20s. Neuropsychiatric conditions are the leading cause of disability in young people in all regions.”

• The Child Mind Institute’s 2017 Children’s Mental Health Report focused on the teenage years, which are a period of significant risk for adolescents in the potential development of mental health conditions. As noted by the report, the adolescent brain isn’t fully developed until age 25, and many mental health conditions become apparent before age 24. Increasing understanding around these conditions, as well as combating stigma, will help future generations of children and their parents become more aware of these conditions and potentially seek help at an early stage. Already, positive results are developing in current school-based programs as they are increasing awareness and decreasing stigma, and adolescents are becoming more likely to seek treatment. The report also explored specific issues related to:
  • Social media and smartphone use, as well as substance abuse;
  • The variety of conditions that develop, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and more;
  • The unique challenges in adolescent mental healthcare;
  • Evidence-based educational and therapeutic approaches to mental healthcare in adolescents.

• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has compiled statistics related to childhood mental health disorders and their prevalence over the years. According to its research:
  • The most prevalent diagnosed mental health conditions for children between ages 2 or 3 and 17 include ADHD (9.4%), behavioral problems (7.4%), anxiety (7.1%), and depression (3.2%). For some children, these conditions may occur together or simultaneously. Most notably, depression and anxiety commonly occur together, and depression or anxiety occur alongside behavioral problems.
  • Additionally, the prevalence of depression and anxiety amongst adolescents and children has increased steadily over time.
  • Many mental conditions and behavioral problems can begin between ages 2 and 8. According to the CDC, 1 in 6 children between 2 and 8 have a behavioral or mental health condition.
  • The rate of depression and anxiety among adolescents increases over time, with many symptoms manifesting between ages 12 and 17. Behavioral problems, however, are more likely to affect children between ages 6 and 11.
  • Additionally, boys are more likely than girls to have behavioral issues, and living in poverty and complications related to socioeconomic status can be major predetermining factors for the development of mental health conditions either in childhood or later in life.

• The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Adolescent Health offers additional information on the impact mental health disorders can have on children, youths, and adolescents. Specifically within adolescents, the prevalence of major depressive episodes (depression lasting longer than two weeks out of a year) have increased by nearly a third from 2005 to 2014. Additionally, suicide has become the second leading cause of death for adolescents between ages 15 to 24 years old, and in 2013 and 2014, adolescents between ages 10 and 14 were more likely to die by suicide than a motor vehicle accident.

Causes of Mental Illness in Children

Just as with mental illness in adults, the causes of mental illness in children are often complex, multifaceted, or unknown. There is no known single cause of mental illness, but many factors may cause a child to develop these conditions. Additionally, research is still being conducted to better understand the causes, early signs, and treatments that can help these conditions.

Below are some of the most common known causes of the majority of mental illnesses. Children may develop a mental condition either due to a single cause or a combination of different factors.

Genetics

Children whose parents are struggling with a mental illness may be more likely to develop an illness themselves, due to genetic factors.

Additionally, as noted by the National Institute of Health (NIH), some research has suggested certain mental illnesses may be caused by gene markers, including a gene that helps regulate calcium flow into neurons in the brain. Furthermore, chromosomes 3 and 10 may have an illness-linked variation. The findings of this research suggested that five disorders — autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia — may be related to genetic factors, although further research still needs to be conducted to determine the best course of action for identifying these genetic links and diagnosing these conditions.

Biology and Brain Structure

Biology and brain chemical imbalances are common causes for mental illness, but these conditions are typically triggered by other causes such as stress, disease, or trauma. The production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are the three brain chemicals responsible for mood regulation that are affected due to depression or similar mental illnesses. Certain medications can help the brain rebalance the production of these chemicals through stimulating neurotransmitters.

Psychological or Physical Trauma

Trauma can be a significant catalyst for the development of mental health disorders or illnesses, but identifying trauma can be difficult. Trauma can be verbal (bullying, teasing, or verbal abuse), emotional (gaslighting, invalidating emotions, etc.), or physical. Additionally, children may still experience trauma through seeing violence without actually being the physical victim of the violent act.

Environmental Stress

As noted by Harvard Health, stress can be a major factor that influences the chemical production of the brain as well as the symptoms of mental illness, especially depression. Stress for children can come in many forms, including stress at school, due to bullying, in the family, or due to social, economic, or physical instability. Although children may not be able to identify or understand stress, adults and healthcare professionals may be able to identify the source(s) on their behalf.

Risk Factors for Mental Illness

Besides the above causes, there are also other risk factors that may predispose a child’s susceptibility to developing a mental illness. The government’s youth program website, Youth.gov, lists the following as common risk factors for mental illness in children:

Bullying

Bullying, either in person or online (cyberbullying), is a common risk factor for developing mental illness.

Gender Identity

Youth.gov notes that young women as well as transgender boys and girls are more likely to experience bullying and harassment throughout their childhood based on their gender identity, both from peers and adults. One study found that social media use was tied to an increased risk of depression in teenage girls specifically. Additionally, rigid beauty standards can often place unrealistic expectations on girls, which they then internalize, lowering their self-esteem, and can cause them to develop mental health or eating disorders. In turn, young boys can also experience bullying and harassment based on negative or toxic perceptions of what a “man” should be, both physically and emotionally, which can also lead to mental health concerns, as noted by NAMI on the importance of self-esteem.

Puberty or Hormone Fluxuations

Children experiencing puberty may be more likely to develop a mental health condition if they are not properly supported through this period of their life, notes Youth.gov. Additionally, experiencing early puberty can have a negative effect on self-worth and image. Positive support during this time of physical development can help children adjust, and helping children understand emotional self-regulation can also create a positive impression.

Poor Social Skills, Anti-Social Behavior, or Communication Problems

Children not being able to communicate their needs, or not being supported when they do, can cause them to experience stress or develop negative experiences related to emotions, which can then cause a loop of self-deprecation and self-denial.

Family Environment, Divorce, or Marital Conflict

Family instability or conflict can cause serious environmental stress for children at any age.

Socioeconomic Factors

The stress that individuals (both adults and children) may feel due to lack of financial security can be a significant indicator of future mental health concerns. Communities of color and black Americans often experience higher amounts of community violence due to over-policing and high incarceration rates, which USA Today highlighted, noting that police brutality should be treated as a public health issue. Both aspects of economic instability and racial tension between police and the people within these communities can cause serious stress and trauma for children.

Community Violence or Trauma

Youth.gov notes that both in a community, as well as in school, if children are regularly exposed to violence or trauma, they may be more likely to develop serious mental health conditions. This can include experiencing a school shooting, police shooting, or other forms of violence due to community upheaval. A study in Cape Town, South Africa, released in 2017, noted the correlation between exposure to violence and the increase in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD for young adolescents.

Common Mental Health Disorders in Children: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Some of the most common mental health conditions among children and adolescents are depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and ADHD (as noted by the CDC, linked above). However, children can experience all the same mental health disorders and illnesses that adults do, though their risk of experiencing any of those conditions may differ based on their surroundings, upbringing, resources, and genetics.

Below are some of the various mental health disorders that children and adolescents may develop:

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the related condition of attention-deficit disorder (ADD), are both common chronic neurodevelopmental disorders among children and adolescents.

Signs of ADHD/ADD

As explained by the CDC, these disorders are characterized by:

• Trouble paying attention;
• Trouble controlling impulsive behaviors (unable to think of the outcome before taking action);
• Being overly active or physically unable to stay still (specifically for ADHD, as ADD does not have the “hyperactive” component of this condition).

However, it is also important to note that ADHD and ADD often present differently in girls compared to boys. Young boys are more commonly diagnosed with ADHD/ADD, but girls are just as likely to struggle with the condition, but may be less likely to receive a diagnosis until they’re much older.

As illustrated by Rae Jacobsen, writing for the Child Mind Institute, ADHD/ADD in young girls often presents in much subtler ways compared to boys. Unlike the external energy that boys may present due to hyperactivity, girls are more likely to vividly daydream and less likely to appear “hyperactive” on the outside. Furthermore, both boys and girls with ADHD/ADD struggle with paying attention to tasks, but whereas boys may be more aggressive due to frustration, a girls’ frustrations are much more likely to be internalized and turned against themselves.

As a result, girls with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD/ADD are more likely to struggle with self-esteem and other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Many adolescent women may not receive a proper diagnosis for their conditions until they’re well into their adult years.

Treatment for ADHD/ADD

ADHD and ADD are both treatable and manageable conditions, either with the help of behavioral therapy, medications, or both. Early intervention and treatment can help set children with ADHD/ADD up for success. Additionally, many public K-12 schools offer accommodations for children with ADHD/ADD to help them succeed in their classes.

Anxiety

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), childhood anxiety can manifest in many different ways. Anxiety is typically characterized by the body triggering the “fight, flight, or freeze” response, either due to an imagined or real threat. However, the triggers for anxiety in children can be different depending on the type of anxiety disorder they are experiencing.

Types and Signs of Anxiety

As the ADAA explains, the following are some of the most common forms of anxiety disorder present in children and adolescents:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): In children and adolescents, GAD may appear as obsession about a variety of things, such as family issues, relationships, grades, performance in school or sports, or about similar subjects. Often children with GAD may describe themselves as “perfectionists” who are hyper-critical of everything they do or say, and may be very hard on themselves. They may also seek constant approval and praise from peers or authority figures to reassure themselves.

• Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is more common in adults, but can affect children at any age as well. This disorder is characterized by multiple panic attacks that occur, followed by a period (usually a month) of fear that another attack may happen. Panic attacks (also known as anxiety attacks) typically manifest with a rapid heart rate, accelerated breathing, sweating, trembling, chest pain or discomfort, feeling dizzy, nausea, and numbness. Other symptoms may also occur during these attacks.

• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Separation anxiety is common and normal for young children, as being separated from a parent can be difficult for developing children and toddlers. However, if a child is older and still has trouble leaving the side of a parent or family member, experiences extreme homesickness and feelings of misery when away from the home, or takes longer to calm down after a family member has left for a short time, then separation anxiety disorder may be the cause. The ADAA notes that 4% of children are affected by this condition, and it commonly affects children between ages 7 and 9.

• Social Anxiety Disorder: This condition is also known as “social phobia,” or the intense fear of social situations and performance activities. For children, this condition may appear as fear of being called on in class, fear of presenting a project in class, or fear of talking with peers. This condition can severely impact a child’s performance, peer relationships, and participation grade in school, but ADAA notes that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often a beneficial treatment.

• Selective Mutism: This condition is characterized by children feeling unable to speak in unfamiliar environments or in school. In comfortable environments, such as the home, the child may not show any symptoms of anxiety, but in school and public situations, they may look away, withdraw to a corner, and be unable to speak. Most commonly, this condition begins to affect children at age 5, as they’re first beginning to attend school.

• Specific Phobias: Phobias are feelings of intense, irrational fear of specific situations (such as flying, speaking in public, etc.) or things (dogs, spiders, etc.). Children experiencing a phobia may try to avoid the triggering situation or object, or endure them with feelings of intense anxiety. As the ADAA notes: “Unlike adults, [children] do not usually recognize that their fear is irrational.”

• Additionally, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are both closely related to anxiety disorders, but will be discussed in further detail below.

Causes and Treatment of Anxiety

As noted by Harvard Health, occasional anxiety is healthy and normal, as it is the human body’s response to a threat. However, serious anxiety and any of the above disorders can cause significant trauma to a child, and may also hamper their development. Treatments for anxiety typically vary, depending on the severity and type of condition the child experiences, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the most effective form of treatment for children. Additionally, medications and mindfulness techniques may also help, as well as a combination of all three options.

Conduct Disorder (CD)

According to the CDC, conduct disorder (CD) is a type of disruptive behavior disorder, and is often diagnosed in children when there is:

• An apparent ongoing pattern of aggression toward others;
• Or consistent and serious violations of rules and social norms either at home, in school, or with peers.

Children with CD are more likely to be arrested, get injured, or have a more difficult time getting along with peers and family members. They may also act out by bullying others, being cruel to animals, damaging property, or getting in fights at school.

Treatment for CD

As noted by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), treatment for CD can help kids develop healthy coping mechanisms and benefit their overall development. Children who do not receive treatment are more likely to have continued issues into adulthood, and may have trouble holding down a job or being in a relationship. Treatment for CD may include medication, but AACAP notes behavioral therapy and psychotherapy are usually the most necessary forms of treatment.

Depression

The ADAA notes that childhood depression has been on the rise for the past several years. Depression in children often manifests differently than adults, typically as:

• Irritability and anger;
• Sometimes accompanied by bodily aches;
• Restlessness;
• Distress when separated from parents.

For both children and adults, depression can also appear as withdrawal and lack of enjoyment in normally engaging activities.

Causes of Depression

The cause of depression in children is not entirely known, but is typically due to biological, psychological, and social underpinnings, according to the ADAA. Additionally, children with parents who experience depression may have a genetic predisposition to experiencing the condition themselves.

Treatment for Depression

Treatment typically consists of a mixture of CBT and medication (typically in the form of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs), or more specialized forms of psychotherapy if the child is under age 10. The CDC also notes that children experiencing depression-like symptoms may also be experiencing other issues, such as anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD related to trauma. For parents who are concerned about their child’s mental health, a healthcare provider should be contacted so the child can receive an evaluation to determine diagnosis and treatment.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The CDC notes that OCD in children occurs when a child has frequent unwanted thoughts accompanied by odd or irrational behaviors to negate those thoughts. OCD becomes apparent when these thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions) take up a significant portion of time, such as an hour or more a day, or interfere with other daily activities in the child’s life.

Signs of OCD

The ADAA also notes the following symptoms as potential signs that a child is struggling with OCD:

• Persistent, disturbing worries, doubts, or fears;
• Unreasonable and repetitive religious rituals;
• Uncontrollable, inappropriate thoughts or mental images;
• Habits or patterns of behavior that interfere with daily life;
• Repeated requests for reassurance;
• A need to do things “perfectly” or “just right”;
• Problems with lateness or being slow to get ready for school;
• Urges to wash, organize, or check on things repetitively;
• Urges to hoard objects for no rational reason;
• A tendency to avoid specific areas or activities.

Causes and Treatment for OCD

The ADAA states that nearly 1 million children in the U.S. struggle with OCD, and it is a treatable and manageable condition. The condition is considered neurobiological, meaning the cause depends on the environment and biology of the child, and traumatic events — such as the sudden death of a loved one — can often trigger OCD to develop.

Treatment is often a mix of psychotherapy and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. Antidepressant (SSRI) medications may also be prescribed.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Similar to CD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a form of disruptive behavior disorder, as classified by the CDC. According to the Mayo Clinic, ODD presents itself in children and adolescents as a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance, and or vindictiveness toward parents or authority figures. Although parents should expect the occasional argument with their teenager, consistent lashing out is not normal behavior.

Signs of ODD

Other symptoms to look out for include:

• Angry and irritable mood, where the child often and easily loses their temper;
• Frequently annoyed by others;
• Consistently angry or resentful of others;
• Actively argues or defies adults or people in authority;
• Often deliberately annoys or upsets people;
• May blame others for their personal mistakes or misbehavior;
• Spiteful and vindictive (at least twice in a six month period).

Cause of ODD

The cause of ODD is not known, but behavioral psychologists believe it could be a mix of genetics and environmental factors, such as harsh discipline, abuse, or neglect.

Treatment for ODD

The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a child psychologist or psychiatrist to diagnose disruptive behavior problems. Additionally, these specialists may be able to identify other, co-occuring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or other behavioral issues. Treatment typically consists of regular behavioral therapy, and the treatment of any underlying mental health conditions.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Although many children may experience stress over their lifetimes, the CDC explains, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is typically caused by severe stress due to traumatic experiences. This can include injury, the death or threatened death of a loved one, and experiencing violence or witnessing violence against another person. As mentioned earlier, PTSD is often related to anxiety, and may have similar symptoms as GAD or panic disorder when the child is reminded of the traumatic event.

Signs of PTSD

Overall, symptoms can vary, depending on the experience that the child has been traumatized by, but some common symptoms include:

• Reliving the event repeatedly through thoughts or play;
• Nightmares or issues sleeping;
• Becoming very upset when memories of the event are brought up or triggered;
• Depressive symptoms for a prolonged period following the event, or lack of overall positive emotions;
• Intense and ongoing fear or sadness;
• Angry outbursts or irritability;
• Easily startled or fearful of threats;
• Feeling numb or denying the event happened altogether;
• Avoiding people or places associated with the event.

Treatment for PTSD

Treatment for PTSD most often consists of regular visits with a psychotherapist to help the child process the trauma they’ve experienced. CBT is also very effective as a form of treatment. Additionally, the child may also develop other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, and a psychologist may be able to help prescribe SSRI medications to help these underlying conditions.

Tourette Syndrome (TS)

The CDC defines Tourette syndrome (TS) as a condition affecting the nervous system that causes people to have uncontrollable “tics.” These tics can be either motor or vocal, meaning sudden twitches, movements, or sounds that people with TS will make repeatedly.

Signs of TS

The Mayo Clinic provides some examples of common tics:

• Simple tics (affecting only some muscles):
  • Eye blinking or darting;
  • Head jerking or shoulder shrugging;
  • Nose twitching or mouth movements;
  • Grunting, throat clearing, barking, or coughing.
• Complex tics (affecting multiple muscles or a coordinated pattern):
  • Touching or smelling objects;
  • Repeated observed movements or patterns;
  • Obscene gesturing;
  • Bending, twisting, or hopping;
  • Repeating one’s words, phrases, or the phrases or words of others (known as echolalia, and rare);
  • Using vulgar, obscene words (known as coprolalia, and rare).

For children or adolescents with TS, symptoms are similar to those of adults and may start appearing at age 5 or 10. The common progression of symptoms include:

• First symptoms are often motor tics in the head or neck area;
• Tics may become worsened in stressful or exciting environments and improve when a person is calm or focused;
• Symptoms will change and develop over time and may appear, disappear, and reappear as the condition is chronic (lasting longer than 3 months);
• Some people may have the symptoms disappear in adulthood, while others may have them throughout their life.

Diagnosing and Treating TS

Diagnosing TS can be difficult, as it cannot be seen in a blood test. Health professionals will simply have to observe the tics in action to determine the severity of the condition. Typically, TS diagnosis requires a person to experience the tics for at least a year.

There is no cure for TS, as noted by the CDC, but treatment via behavioral therapy and medication can help alleviate symptoms. For some people, the condition may disappear entirely, or may be subtle enough that they do not get in the way of their daily life or cause undue stress.

Effects of Mental Illness on Children

The various mental health conditions that exist can have different effects on children throughout their lifetimes. Depending on the condition and when treatment is first sought out, children can either adapt to the condition and learn to live with it, or will struggle to understand why they are mentally unwell and may be unable to lead a healthy and happy life.

However, outside of the potential quality of life improvement that treatment may provide, there are also other long-term and short-term effects of mental illness that children and parents should be aware of. As the CDC notes, undiagnosed or untreated conditions can cause children to have problems at home, in school, and in forming and maintaining healthy relationships throughout their lives. Additionally, overall development of the child — emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing — may be halted or underdeveloped if a condition is left untreated.

Furthermore, untreated conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, ODD, CD, and more can lead children to develop risky and destructive behavior, including self-harm and potentially suicidal ideation. This is why treatment and early intervention is so important in helping children and adolescents develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage their condition.

When to Seek Help for Your Child

Parents should seek help for their children as soon as they suspect a potential mental health condition is developing. Medical professionals, such as a doctor, nurse, or mental health specialist, can help parents determine what the condition is (or if there is a condition at all) and how best to treat and manage it. If the nurse or doctor is unable to properly diagnose the condition, they may even recommend the parent and child visit a specialist who may be more knowledgeable on these conditions. A nurse practitioner who specializes in psychiatry or mental health may be able to help parents come to a diagnosis or get the child the help they need.

Determining if a child is struggling with a mental health condition, an illness, or a new stage of childhood development can be difficult, which is why it is so important to seek the help of a professional. If a parent is unsure of their child’s condition, a general rule to follow is to seek help if the behavior or moods begin to interfere with other daily tasks, such as school, friendships, hobbies, sports, or family. Additionally, as advised by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), parents should seek help immediately if their child begins to talk about wanting to hurt themselves or others.

Mental Illness Treatment

It is important to understand that most mental illnesses are not curable conditions and there is no sure-fire way to prevent them. The majority of these conditions are chronic (lasting longer than three months), and children may have to manage them for the entirety of their life. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be managed or treated with the help of medical supervision. These children can still go on to lead happy and productive lives.

Treatment options differ depending on the individual seeking treatment, the condition, and the local resources available to families seeking treatment. Typically for many mental illnesses, a combination of treatments may be recommended, such as medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

All treatments should be prescribed and monitored by a licensed child psychologist or doctor to determine the best course of action and monitor the progress of the condition. Not every form of treatment will work or be available for everyone, but below are some of the most common options to explore:

Medication

Various medications can help manage the symptoms of mental health conditions and help rebalance the brain’s internal chemistry. Medications such as SSRIs or Tricyclics antidepressants are commonly prescribed for a variety of mental health conditions related to depression or anxiety. However, there are also mood stabilizers, relaxants, stimulants, and other variations of prescription medications that may be able to help a child, depending on their condition and the advice of their doctor.

If medications are prescribed by a doctor or certified nurse practitioner, be sure to follow the prescription recommendations and closely monitor your child for any potential negative side effects or concerns. Additionally, although medication may be suggested, it often works best when this treatment is used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as therapy or counseling.

Psychotherapy

Also called “talk therapy” or simply “therapy,” psychotherapy involves having a child visit with a professional psychologist, therapist, or other mental health professional who has studied psychology. Additionally, certain conditions can impact the way children speak or communicate; someone trained to work with people who have speech/communication problems can also be helpful when used in conjunction with therapy.

In these environments, children are invited to discuss anything from their life, or anything related to their feelings, moods, behaviors, or thoughts. Psychologists will also give the child different tools (such as calming exercises or thought experiments) or teach them important coping mechanisms and skills that can help them manage their condition between sessions.

Family Counseling

Another option available to children and their families is family counseling. Similar to psychotherapy, this form of counseling can include parent(s), siblings, and the child as the therapist talks them through certain aspects of their life, as well as any emotions, thoughts, moods, or behaviors that each individual may be struggling with.

Including family members in the treatment process can help give children and adolescents the support and help they need to work out any differences they may be having with a parent or sibling. Additionally, the therapy can greatly benefit the other members of the family, as the therapist may help point out problematic language or stigma to provide a more supportive environment for the child who is struggling.

Additional Resources and Further Reading

For more information on childhood mental illness, treatment, causes, signs, or concerns, consider the following resources:

• CDC Guide to Children’s Mental Health
• MedlinePlus Resource on Child Mental Health
• American Psychological Association Guide on Children’s Mental Health

Article Compliments of Maryville University – https://online.maryville.edu/blog/-a-guide-to-childrens-mental-health/