Articles
Mental illness in children: Know the signs
Why is it hard for parents to identify mental illness in children?
What mental health conditions affect children?
How do health care providers diagnose mental illness in children?
Content
What is a mental illness?
Barriers to treating childhood mental health disorders
Common disorders among children
What are the warning signs of mental illness in children?
What should I do if I suspect my child has a mental health condition?
How do health care professionals diagnose mental illness in children?
How is mental illness in children treated?
How can I help my child cope with mental illness?
What are the warning signs of mental illness in children?
Warning signs that your child may have a mental health disorder include:
- Persistent sadness — two or more weeks
- Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions
- Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself
- Talking about death or suicide
- Outbursts or extreme irritability
- Out-of-control behavior that can be harmful
- Drastic changes in mood, behavior or personality
- Changes in eating habits
- Loss of weight
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent headaches or stomachaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in academic performance
- Avoiding or missing school
