Identifying Mental Health Issues In Children And Teens

Know when to seek treatment for your child.

Many times, parents are the first to suspect that their child or teen is challenged by feelings, behaviors, or environmental conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited to, problems with friends or family members, school, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, and coping. Persons of different ages will exhibit different symptoms and behaviors. It is important for families who suspect a problem in one or more of these areas to seek treatment. Treatment for mental health disorders is available.

The following are the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/ or developmental problem in a YOUNGER CHILD:

• Significant decline in school performance or grades (even though the child studies and tries hard to succeed)
• Withdrawal from activities, friends, family
• Sleep disturbances (nightmares, insomnia, excessive sleep)
• Hyperactivity
• Continuous or frequent aggression or “acting out” (for periods longer than six months)
• Continuous or frequent rebellion; opposition to authority and direction (for periods longer than 6 months)
• Refusal to attend school on a regular or frequent basis
• Refusal to take part in school and/ or family activities
• Excessive worry and/ or anxiety
• Thoughts and/ or talk of suicide
• Excessive, regular temper tantrums (without explanation)

The following are the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/ or developmental problem in ADOLESCENT:

• Significant decline in school performance or poor grades (even though the adolescent studies and tries hard to succeed)
• Withdrawal from activities, friends, family
• Substance (alcohol and drugs) abuse
• Sleep disturbance (nightmares, insomnia, excessive sleep)
• Depression (sad mood, negativity, mood swings)
• Appetite changes (refusal to eat, excessive eating, bingeing, purging)
• Continuous or frequent aggression or “acting out” (for periods longer than 6 months)
• Continuous or frequent rebellion; opposition to authority and direction (for periods longer than 6 months)
• Continuous or frequent anger (for periods longer than 6 months)
• Skipping school
• Refusal to take part in school, family, sport, and/ or social activities
• Excessive worry and/ or anxiety
• Self-injurious behavior
• Threats to self or others
• Thoughts of death
• Thoughts and/ or talk of suicide
• Running away or threatening to run away
• Destructive behavior (vandalism, criminal activity)
• Sexually “acting out”
• Lying and/ or cheating
• Many physical complaints

The symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/ or developmental problem may resemble other conditions. Always consult your family physician for a diagnosis.