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?
Why is it hard for parents to identify mental illness in children?
It's typically up to the adults in a child's life to identify whether the child has a mental health concern. Unfortunately, many adults don't know the signs and symptoms of mental illness in children.
Even if you know the red flags, it can be difficult to distinguish signs of a problem from normal childhood behavior. You might reason that every child displays some of these signs at some point. And children often lack the vocabulary or developmental ability to explain their concerns.
Concerns about the stigma associated with mental illness, the use of certain medications, and the cost or logistical challenges of treatment might also prevent parents from seeking care for a child who has a suspected mental illness.
