Signs of Problems and Disorders 

All children may experience problems from time to time with their mood or behavior. In some cases, these problems may be a normal part of a child’s stage of development. In other cases, behavioral or emotional problems may be understandable reactions to a change in a child’s environment or routine, such as sadness after the divorce of parents or the death of someone close to them.

When a child’s problems persist over a long period of time or begin to interfere with his or her relationships with family and peers, performance at school, or everyday living, these may be signs of a mental health problem or disorder. Many people are surprised to learn that mental health problems are relatively common among young people – in fact, they are as common as a fractured limb. 

Support and treatment can improve the lives of children with mental health problems. The path to improved health often begins with a family’s awareness of concerning behaviors.

Throughout this section of the website, you will find:

Descriptions of common emotional and behavioral problems that children may experience

•    Overactivity or difficulty paying attention
•    Anxiety, worry or fear
•    Sadness and depression
•    Problems with food or body image
•    Extreme anger, aggression or defiance
•    Tendency to use drugs or alcohol
•    Unusual thoughts or experiences

Information about specific mental health disorders

•    A to Z Disorder Guide (NYU Child Study Center)
•    Anxiety Disorders
•    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD
•    Autism Spectrum Disorders
•    Mood Disorders - Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Videos with answers to commonly asked questions about mental health disorders

•    Ask the Doctor video clips (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Information about treatment and services

•    Evaluation and Treatment
•    Getting Professional Help in Virginia
  

Additional resources

•    Mental Health Dictionary (NYU Child Study Center)
•    Checklists for Preliminary Mental Health Screening (MADI Resource Center)

 

Important notice: Although the information on this website can provide you with a basic understanding of the emotional and behavioral health issues affecting children, this website and any related materials are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for meeting with a professional. Diagnosis and treatment of a mental health problem can only be done by a trained mental health professional.

 

Sources Information provided on this website about common emotional and behavioral problems experienced by children is drawn from sources including: American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (Revised 4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Boston Bar Association. (2009). The Parents' How-to Guide to Children's Mental Health Services in Massachusetts (2nd edition). Boston: Author.  URL:http://www.bostonbar.org/theguide/bba_theguide_jan2009.pdf. Accessed: 2010-12-09. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/5ur8YAB1Z) Klimkeit, E. I., Mattingley, J. B., Sheppard, D. M., Farrow, M., Bradshaw, J. L. (2004). Examining the Development of Attention and Executive Functions in Children with a Novel Paradigm. Child Neuropsychology, 10 (3), 201-211. NYU Child Study Center. A-Z Disorder Guide. URL:http://www.aboutourkids.org/families/disorders_treatments/az_disorder_guide. Accessed: 2010-12-09. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/5ur83VhUw)

 

Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com

Date Reviewed: May 31, 2011