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Adolescent Mental Health Overview Many adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with their normal development and daily life activities. Some mental health problems are mild, while others are more severe. Some mental health problems last for only short periods of time, while others, potentially, last a lifetime. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reports the following: Research studies have reported that up to about 5 percent of...

Anorexia Nervosa in Children What is anorexia nervosa? Anorexia nervosa (AN), a form of self-starvation, is an eating disorder characterized by low body weight (less than 85 percent of normal weight for height and age), a distorted body image, amenorrhea (absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when otherwise expected to occur in women), and an intense fear of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa is sometimes referred to as anorexia. What causes anorexia nervosa? The cause of anorexia nervosa...

Anxiety Disorders in Children It is normal for children and adolescents to develop some fears and experience some fearful anticipation of problems (anxiety) during the course of their development. Over time, normal fears fade as children learn more about what to expect from their environment and relationships with others. When their fears do not fade and begin to interfere with the child or adolescent's daily life and activities, an anxiety disorder may be present, and parents should promptly seek the e...

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms usually occur together; however, one may occur without the other(s). The symptoms of hyperactivity, when present, are almost always apparent by the age of 7 and may be apparent in ...

Autistic Disorder What is autistic disorder? Autistic disorder (also called autism; more recently described as "mindblindedness") is a neurological and developmental disorder that usually appears during the first three years of life. A child with autism appears to live in his/her own world, showing little interest in others, and a lack of social awareness. The focus of an autistic child is a consistent routine and includes an interest in repeating odd and peculiar behaviors. Autistic children often have...

Communication Disorders What are communication disorders? There are several different types of communication disorders, including the following: expressive language disorder Expressive language disorder identifies developmental delays and difficulties in the ability to produce speech. mixed receptive-expressive language disorder Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder identifies developmental delays and difficulties in the ability to understand spoken language and produce speech. What causes commun...

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation for Children What is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation? A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may help to diagnose any number of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. An evaluation of a child or adolescent is made based on behaviors present and in relation to physical, genetic, environmental, social, cognitive (thinking), emotional, and educational components that may be affected as a result of the behaviors presented. When should a comprehensive p...

Conduct Disorder What is conduct disorder (CD)? Conduct disorder is a behavior disorder, sometimes diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by antisocial behaviors which violate the rights of others and age-appropriate social standards and rules. Antisocial behaviors may include irresponsibility, delinquent behaviors (such as truancy or running away), violating the rights of others (such as theft), and/or physical aggression toward others (such as assault or rape). These behaviors sometimes occur t...

Developmental Disorders Developmental disorders are one category of mental health problems. The category identifies children who have difficulty accomplishing early developmental tasks such as language, communication, socialization, and motor skills. Treatment of developmental disorders usually includes medication and specialized training to assist the child in developing needed skills. As the goal of treatment includes helping the child to maximize his/her abilities while preventing as many new problem...

Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Children and Adolescents What is generalized anxiety disorder? Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined as chronic, excessive worry and fear that seems to have no real cause. Children or adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder often worry a lot about things such as future events, past behaviors, social acceptance, family matters, their personal abilities, and/or school performance. What causes generalized anxiety disorder? Anxiety disorders are believed to have...

Glossary - Child and Adolescent Mental Health | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [back to top] adolescent medicine - a subspecialty of pediatric medicine with a focus on providing holistic healthcare to adolescent patients and treating medical problems that are common during adolescence. affective disorder (Also known as mood disorder.) - a category of mental health problems that in...

Topic Index Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation Psychiatric Treatment Team Knowing When to Seek Treatment for Your Child Developmental Disorders Schizophrenia Tourette's Disorder Mood Disorders Anxiety Disorders Behavior Disorders Eating Disorders Substance Abuse / Chemical Dependence Adjustment Disorders Psychological Complications of Chronic Illness Glossary Many children and adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with their normal development and daily life activities. Some mental he...

Knowing When to Seek Treatment for Your Child When to seek treatment for your child or adolescent: Knowing when to seek treatment for mental health disorders is important for parents and families. Many times, parents are the first to suspect that their child or teen is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited to problems with relationships with friends and/or family members, school, slee...

Learning Disorders What is a learning disorder? A learning disorder is defined as difficulty in an academic area (reading, mathematics, or written expression). The child's ability to achieve in the specific academic area is below what is expected for the child's age, educational level, and level of intelligence. The difficulty experienced by the child is severe enough to interfere with academic achievement or age-appropriate normal activities of daily living. About 2.7 million US children in public scho...

Major Depression in Children What is major depression? Major depression, also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs, and has become a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country. Who is affected by major depression? The National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, reports the following: Research indicates ...

Online Resources - Child and Adolescent Mental Health This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Th...

Oppositional Defiant Disorder What is oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)? Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavior disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by uncooperative, defiant, negativistic, irritable, and annoying behaviors toward parents, peers, teachers, and other authority figures. Children and adolescents with ODD are more distressing or troubling to others than they are distressed or troubled themselves. What causes oppositional defiant disorder? While the ca...

Pervasive Developmental Disorders What are pervasive developmental disorders (PDD)? Pervasive developmental disorders, also called autism spectrum disorders, most often can be identified in the early years of a child's life. Children with PDD have difficulty in areas of development or use of functional skills such as language, communication, socialization, and motor behaviors. Examples of PDD include the following: autism (autistic disorder) Asperger's disorder Rett's disorder childhood disintegrative d...

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder What is post-traumatic stress disorder? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that often follows a terrifying physical or emotional event - causing the person who survived the event to have persistent, frightening thoughts and memories, or flashbacks, of the ordeal. Sometimes effects from the traumatic events can be delayed for six months or longer, but when PTSD occurs soon after an event, the condition generally improves after three months. So...

Psychiatric Treatment Team Who treats psychiatric disorders? Mental health disorders are complex and require clinical care by a multidisciplinary treatment team. Team members may include, but are not limited to, the following: child and adolescent psychiatrist Child and adolescent psychiatrists are licensed physicians (M.D. or D.O.) who specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Their medical and psychiatric training with children and adolesce...

Schizophrenia in Children What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is one of the most complex of all mental health disorders. It is a severe, chronic, and disabling disturbance of the brain that causes distorted thinking, strange feelings, and unusual behavior and use of language and words. What causes schizophrenia? There is no known single cause responsible for schizophrenia. It is believed that a chemical imbalance in the brain is an inherited factor which is necessary for schizophrenia to develop. Howev...

Separation Anxiety Disorder What is separation anxiety disorder? Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is defined as excessive worry and fear about being apart from family members or individuals to whom a child is most attached. Children with separation anxiety disorder fear being lost from their family or fear something bad happening to a family member if they separated from them. Symptoms of anxiety or fear about being separated from family members must last for a period of at least four weeks to be consi...

Teen Suicide What is suicidal behavior? Suicidal behavior is defined as a preoccupation or act that is focused on causing one's own death voluntarily. An intent to cause one's death is essential in the definition. Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts of suicide or wanting to take one's own life. Suicidal behavior refers to actions taken by one who is considering or preparing to cause his/her own death. Suicide attempt usually refers to an act focused on causing one's own death that is unsuccessful in ca...

Topic Index - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Home Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation Psychiatric Treatment Team Knowing When to Seek Treatment for Your Child Developmental Disorders Pervasive Developmental Disorders Autistic Disorder Learning Disorders Communication Disorders Schizophrenia Tourette's Disorder Mood Disorders Overview of Mood Disorders Major Depression Dysthymia Bipolar Disorder / Manic Depression Teen Suicide Anxiety Disorders Separation Anxiety D...

Tourette's Disorder What is Tourette's disorder (TD)? Tourette's disorder (TD), sometimes called Tourette's syndrome (TS), is a neurological disorder characterized by multiple repeated tics. Tics are abrupt, purposeless, and involuntary vocal sounds or muscular jerks. Symptoms of TD usually begin between the ages of five and 10 years of age, and usually begin with mild, simple tics involving the face, head, or arms. With time, tics become more frequent and increase in variety, involving more body parts ...

Coping Emotionally Coping with changes following a burn: Your child will be very happy to once again be with his/her toys, friends, school, and family. However, your child's burn care and emotional recovery will continue when you leave the hospital. Along with the excitement, you and your child may also feel uneasy about what will happen next. Your entire family has experienced a crisis as a result of the burn, hospitalization, and the disruption of home life. Children are affected not only by how a cri...

Emotional and Family Issues Many factors influence how a child feels about having congenital (present at birth) heart disease, and how it affects him/her mentally and emotionally, including the following: the type of defect Different emotions may be experienced with a congenital heart defect that requires one operation to repair versus one that requires many operations and periodic or constant medical care. the age of the child when the heart defect was diagnosed A child who was diagnosed at birth and w...

If Your Child Has Difficulty Adjusting Symptoms that your child may be having difficulty adjusting: It is extremely difficult to cope with stressful situations that last for a long time. Children have less ability to cope with stress because of their limited life experiences. Some symptoms that your child may be having difficulty adjusting include: agitated behavior, such as crying, thumb sucking disturbed bodily functions, such as eating, sleeping, or elimination separation anxiety, such as clinging, r...

Adjustment Disorders What is an adjustment disorder? An adjustment disorder is defined as an emotional or behavioral reaction to an identifiable stressful event or change in a person's life that is considered maladaptive or somehow not an expected healthy response to the event or change. The reaction must occur within three months of the identified stressful event or change happening. The identifiable stressful event or change in the life of a child or adolescent may be a family move, parental divorce o...

Adolescent Mental Health There are many different mental health problems affecting adolescents that require the clinical care of a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Adolescent Mental Health Overview Schizophrenia Mood Disorders Overview of Mood Disorders Major Depression Dysthymia Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder Teen Suicide Anxiety Disorders Generalized Anxiety Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Phobi...

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescents What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms usually occur together; however, one may occur without the other(s). The symptoms of hyperactivity, when present, are almost always apparent by the age of 7 and may be apparent in very...

Behavior Disorders Behavior disorders (sometimes referred to as disruptive behavior disorders) are the most common reasons children are referred for mental health evaluations and treatment. All disruptive behavior is not the same. Behavior disorders include mental health problems with a focus on behaviors that both identify emotional problems and create interpersonal and social problems for children and adolescents in the course of their development. The most common behavior disorder in children is atte...

Bulimia Nervosa in Adolescents What is bulimia nervosa? Bulimia nervosa, usually referred to as bulimia, is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing) and usually followed by purging (self-induced vomiting), misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications that cause increased production of urine, fasting, or excessive exercise to control weight. Bingeing, in this situation, is defined as eating much larger amounts of food than would normally be consumed within a short period of time (usually ...

Dysthymia in Children What is dysthymia? Dysthymia, also known as dysthymic disorder, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that often resembles a less severe, yet more chronic form of major (clinical) depression. However, persons with dysthymia may also experience major depressive episodes at times. Depression is a mood disorder that involves a child's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns, and is not the same as b...

Eating Disorders in Children The term eating disorders refers to a variety of disorders. The common feature of all the eating disorders is abnormal eating behaviors. Eating disorders are serious mental health problems and can be life threatening. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are common eating disorders of adolescents and young adults. Obesity may also be included as an eating disorder and can affect all ages including children and adolescents. There are many different types of eating disorders t...

Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents What is manic depression? Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs, and is a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country. Manic depression is characterized by periodic episodes of extreme elation, happiness, elevated mood, or irritability (also called mania) countered by periodic, classic major d...

Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents There are many different mood disorders affecting children and adolescents that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Overview of Mood Disorders Major Depression Dysthymia Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder Teen Suicide

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an unreasonable thought, fear, or worry that he/she tries to manage by performing a ritual activity to reduce the anxiety. Frequently occurring disturbing thoughts or images are called obsessions, and the repeated rituals performed to try to prevent or dispel them are called compulsions. During the normal growth and development of children and adolescents,...

Overview of Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents What are mood disorders? A category of mental health problems that includes all types of depression and bipolar disorder, mood disorders are sometimes called affective disorders. During the 1980s, mental health professionals began to recognize symptoms of mood disorders in children and adolescents, as well as adults. However, children and adolescents do not necessarily experience or exhibit the same symptoms as adults. It is more difficult to diagno...

Phobias in Children and Adolescents What is a phobia? A phobia is an identifiable and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable and is triggered by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation. Children and adolescents with one or more phobias consistently experience anxiety when exposed to the specific object or situation. Common phobias include fear of animals, blood, heights, closed spaces, or flying. In children and adolescents, the identified fear must last at least six mo...

Psychological Complications of Chronic Illness Adolescence, alone, is a stressful developmental process even for physically healthy teens. Chronic illness occurring during adolescence further complicates adolescent development. The chronic disorder, treatment requirements, hospitalization, and surgery (when necessary) all intensify concerns about physical appearance, interfere with the process of gaining independence, and disrupt changing relationships with parents and friends. Also, adolescent developm...

Relationship Development Relationship development that occurs during adolescence: Changes in adolescent physical and cognitive development are also accompanied by major changes in an adolescent's relationships with others - including family members and friends. Family relationships are often reorganized with the onset of puberty, the desire for increased autonomy, and increased emotional distance between teens and their parents. Adolescent attention often shifts to a more intense focus on social interac...

Substance Abuse / Chemical Dependence in Adolescents What is substance abuse/chemical dependence? There are three different terms used to define substance-related disorders, including the following: substance abuse Substance abuse is used to describe a pattern of substance (drug) use leading to significant problems or distress such as failure to attend school, substance use in dangerous situations (driving a car), substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendsh...

Depression What is depression? A depressive disorder is a whole-body illness, involving the body, mood, and thoughts, and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things. It is not the same as being unhappy or in a blue mood. Nor is it a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months...

Mental Health There are many mental health conditions that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Managing Stress Depression Domestic Violence

Depression and Suicide More than 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder - most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder. Warning signs of suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behavior: Many of the warning signs of possible suicidal feelings are also symptoms of depression. Observations of the following behaviors may be helpful in identifying persons who may be at risk of attempting suicide: changes in eating and sleep habits loss of interest in usual ac...

Knowing When to Seek Treatment When to seek treatment: Knowing when to seek treatment for mental health disorders is important for parents and families. Many times, families, spouses, or friends are the first to suspect that their loved one is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited to, problems with relationships with friends and/or family members, work, school, sleeping, eating, subst...

Mental Health Disorders in Children and Teens Many children and adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with their normal development and daily life activities. Some mental health problems are mild, while others are more severe. Some mental health problems last for only short periods of time, while others, potentially, last a lifetime. The National Institute of Mental Health Disorders (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reports the following: Research studies have rep...

Personality Disorders What are personality disorders? For persons without a personality disorder, personality traits are patterns of thinking, reacting, and behaving that remain relatively consistent and stable over time. Persons with a personality disorder display more rigid and maladaptive thinking and reacting behaviors that often disrupt their personal, professional, and social lives. What are the most common types of personality disorders? Generally, personality disorders are divided into three sub...

Schizophrenia What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is one of the most complex of all mental health disorders. It involves a severe, chronic, and disabling disturbance of the brain. And, what was once classified as a psychological disease is now classified as a brain disease. What causes schizophrenia? There is no known single cause responsible for schizophrenia. It is believed that a chemical imbalance in the brain is an inherited factor which is necessary for schizophrenia to develop. However, it is li...

Substance Abuse / Chemical Dependency What is substance abuse/chemical dependence? There are three different terms used to define substance-related disorders, including the following: substance abuse Substance abuse is used to describe a pattern of substance (drug) use leading to significant problems or distress such as failure to attend work/school, substance use in dangerous situations (driving a car), substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships and or...

Topic Index - Mental Health Disorders Mental Health Disorders Home Statistics Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation Psychiatric Treatment Team Knowing When To Seek Treatment Mood Disorders Overview of Mood Disorders Major Depression Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder Dysthymia Seasonal Affective Disorder Depression and Suicide Anxiety Disorders Panic Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Phobias Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervos...

Anorexia Nervosa What is anorexia nervosa? Anorexia nervosa (or simply anorexia) is an eating disorder in which people intentionally starve themselves. It causes extreme weight loss, which the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), defines as at least 15 percent below the individual's normal body weight. Food and weight become obsessions. Compulsiveness may cause strange eating rituals or the refusal to eat in front of others. It is not uncommon for ...

Anxiety Disorders There are several anxiety disorders that require the clinical care of a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Panic Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Phobias

Binge Eating Disorder What is binge eating disorder? Binge eating disorder is an illness that resembles bulimia nervosa and is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing. It differs from bulimia because its sufferers do not purge their bodies of the excess food via vomiting, laxative abuse, or diuretic abuse. Who is affected by binge eating disorder? Individuals with binge eating disorder often: eat large quantities of food. do not stop eating until they are uncomfortably full. have a ...

Bulimia Nervosa What is bulimia nervosa? Bulimia nervosa, usually referred to as bulimia, is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing) and usually followed by purging (self-induced vomiting), misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications that cause increased production of urine, fasting, or excessive exercise to control weight. Bingeing, in this situation, is defined as eating much larger amounts of food than would normally be consumed within a short period of time (usually less than two h...

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation What is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation? A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may be necessary to diagnose any number of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. An evaluation of a child, adolescent, or adult is made based on behaviors present and in relation to physical, genetic, environmental, social, cognitive (thinking), emotional, and educational components that may be affected as a result of the behaviors presented. Who is evaluated? Many tim...

Dysthymia What is dysthymia? Dysthymia, also known as dysthymic disorder, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that often resembles a less severe, yet more chronic form of major (clinical) depression. However, persons with dysthymia may also experience major depressive episodes at times. Depression is a mood disorder that involves a person's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns, and is not the same as being unhapp...

Eating Disorders The term eating disorders refers to a variety of disorders. The common feature of all the eating disorders is abnormal eating behaviors. Eating disorders are serious mental health problems and can be life threatening. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are common eating disorders among adolescents and young adults. Obesity may also be included as an eating disorder and can affect individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. There are se...

Generalized Anxiety Disorder What is generalized anxiety disorder? Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes its sufferers chronic and exaggerated worry and tension that seem to have no substantial cause. Persons with generalized anxiety disorder often worry excessively about health, money, family, or work, and continually anticipate disaster. Although GAD may be accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or another anxiety disorder, impairment is usually mild. Generally, persons with this disorder do ...