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?
Barriers to treating childhood mental health disorders
It can be difficult to understand mental health disorders in children because normal childhood development is a process that involves change. Additionally, the symptoms of a disorder may differ depending on a child's age, and children may not be able to explain how they feel or why they are behaving a certain way.
Concerns about the stigma associated with mental illness, the use of 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.
