Health Information

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

  • Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children

    ADHD is a behavior disorder marked by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.

  • Anorexia Nervosa in Children

    Anorexia nervosa (AN) is eating disorder that is a form of self-starvation. A child or teen with AN has abnormally low body weight, a distorted body image, and an intense fear of gaining weight.

  • Anxiety Disorders in Children

    Detailed information on the most common types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

    A child with autism appears to live in his or her own world, showing little interest in others and a lack of social awareness.

  • Communication Disorders

    Young children with communication disorders may not speak at all, or may have a limited vocabulary for their age. Some children with communication disorders have difficulty understanding simple directions or are unable to name objects.

  • Conduct Disorder

    A child with a conduct disorder has antisocial behaviors that violate the rights of others and age-appropriate social standards and rules.

  • Developmental Disorders

    Detailed information on developmental disorders in children

  • Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation for Children

    A psychiatric evaluation looks at the child's behaviors, when those behaviors occur, and what impact those behaviors have on school, family, and other relationships.

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Children and Adolescents

    Children or teens with generalized anxiety disorder often worry a lot about future events, past behaviors, social acceptance, and school performance.

  • Glossary - Child and Adolescent Mental Health

    Glossary of terms relating to mental health

  • Home Page - Child and Adolescent Mental Health

    Detailed information on child and adolescent mental health disorders

  • Learning Disorders

    Learning disorders are sometimes called learning disabilities. Most children with learning disorders have normal intelligence, but they have difficulty with reading, math, or another academic area.

  • Major Depression in Children

    Common symptoms of major depression include persistent feelings of sadness, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder

    This behavior disorder is characterized by uncooperative, defiant, negativistic, irritable, and annoying behaviors toward parents, peers, teachers, and other authority figures.

  • Online Resources - Child and Adolescent Mental Health

    List of online resources to find additional information on mental health

  • Pervasive Developmental Disorders

    Children with PDD have difficulty with language, communication, socialization, and motor behaviors. Autism is an example of a PDD.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children

    A serious accident such as a car wreck, or a natural disaster such as a flood can cause PTSD in a child. Physical or sexual abuse and neglect can be other causes.

  • Schizophrenia in Children

    Detailed information on schizophrenia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

  • Separation Anxiety Disorder

    All children and teens experience some anxiety—it's a normal part of growing up. When worries and fears abnormally focus on separation from home or family, the child may have separation anxiety disorder.

  • Topic Index - Child and Adolescent Mental Health

    Detailed information on child and adolescent mental health disorders

  • Teen Suicide

    Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15- to 24-year-olds. The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are depression, substance abuse, and aggressive or disruptive behaviors.

  • Psychiatric Treatment Team

    Team members may include a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a psychologist, a social worker, and a psychiatric nurse.

  • Tourette's Disorder

    A person with Tourette's disorder develops multiple repeated tics. The tics are abrupt, purposeless, and involuntary vocal sounds or muscular jerks.

  • Knowing When to Seek Treatment for Your Child

    Common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem include poor grades in school, withdrawal from friends and family, and insomnia.

  • Adjustment Disorders

    Adjustment disorders are quite common in children and teens. They are characterized by an excessive reaction to stress.

  • Behavior Disorders

    Detailed information on behavior problems in adolescents, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder

  • Dysthymia in Children

    Detailed information on dysthymia, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Eating Disorders in Children

    Detailed information on adolescents and eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and obesity

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children

    Rituals and obsessive thoughts are a normal part of a teen's development. An adolescent with OCD has obsessive thoughts that are unwanted and related to fears.

  • Overview of Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents

    Mood disorders in teens remain one of the most under-diagnosed mental health problems. These disorders also put teens at risk for other conditions that may persist long after the initial episodes of depression are resolved.

  • Substance Abuse/Chemical Dependence in Adolescents

    Substances frequently abused by adolescents include alcohol, marijuana, and amphetamines. Some teens are at higher risk of developing substance-related disorders.

  • Bulimia Nervosa in Adolescents

    Bulimia nervosa is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing) usually followed by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications in an attempt to control weight.

  • Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents

    Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is a type of affective disorder that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs. It is becoming an important health concern in this country.