Childhood mental health disorders can affect a child's ability to make and maintain friends and be successful at school. Many childhood mental health disorders are treated with a combination of medication and therapy. There are many causes or risk factors for these disorders including genetics, chemical imbalances, trauma and extreme stress.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. Children with this disorder have a hard time concentrating, sitting still, acting in socially appropriate ways and taking turns. According to the U.S. government's National Mental Health Information Center, the symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least two settings to meet the diagnostic criteria.
Anxiety Disorders
Many children become anxious when they have to take a test or on their first day of school; however, overwhelming anxiety and fear can become debilitating and lead to an anxiety disorder. There are five main anxiety disorders that children suffer from including generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
These disorders fall on the autism spectrum, and the symptoms are usually recognized by the child's parents. Many times a normally developing baby or toddler will start to display signs of one of these disorders. Symptoms of these disorders include lack of language skills, lack of social skills, poor eye contact, lack of facial expressions and obsessions about a certain toy or object.
Mood Disorders
Children can suffer from mood disorders such as major depression and bipolar disorder. There are two types of bipolar disorders--bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. Bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes and major depressive episodes and bipolar II disorder is characterized by hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes. Common signs of depression include sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, issues sleeping and eating, fatigue and trouble concentrating. Symptoms of mania and hypomania include extreme happiness or irritability, racing thoughts, risky behaviors, lack of sleep, high energy and poor judgment.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders such anorexia and bulimia nervosa are serious mental health disorders that impact children and teens. A child who is afraid of eating and gaining weight, exercises for large amounts of time and is secretive about eating might suffer from an eating disorder.
Schizophrenia
Children and teens who meet the criteria for schizophrenia usually have a break in reality or a psychotic break. They might hallucinate or have delusions. They might experience disordered thinking, social withdrawal and difficulty making and maintaining peer relationships.
Learning Disorders
Some children experience learning disorders that affect the way they learn or express information. They might also have issues with self-control, coordination and attention. Usually these disorders are noticed by teachers.
