Common Mental Health Problems in Children

Amy Taylor August 25, 2016

During the launch of a new children’s mental health podcast called “Child in Mind” from the Anna Freud National Centre for Children, the Duchess of Cambridge shared a statement saying that she and her husband Prince William would absolutely encourage their children to seek therapy if they were struggling psychologically. “No parent would fail to call the doctor if their child developed a fever, yet some children are tackling tough times without the support that can help them because the adults in their lives are scared to ask,” she said in a statement.

Her words are eye-opening for many parents not just in the UK but in the whole world. When it comes to mental health, all discussions, tips and advice are focused on the grownups. But mental health concerns are not only present among the adults, but among children too. According to Young Minds, a charity that promotes mental health in children, 1 in 10 children and young people aged 5 - 16 suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder. Meanwhile, more than half of all adults with mental health problems were diagnosed in childhood. Less than half were treated appropriately at the time.

Mental illness in children can be hard for parents to identify as they may be unable to explain how and what they feel. Parents may also mistake some of their kids’ behaviours as being ‘normal’ at that point in their childhood. As a result, children who could benefit from treatment never receive the help they need. So knowing the common mental health issues affecting children and understanding their symptoms can be a big step towards treatment and recovery.

Top Mental Health Disorders in Children

Anxiety Disorders

Worry can affect a child from time to time. As they go through physical and emotional development, they can experience anxiety over many things, especially when it comes to major changes. But if anxiety issues make it hard for a child to function normally and carry on with his or her daily activities, the possibility of the child suffering from anxiety disorder can be considered.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

This is a serious mental health condition that appears in early childhood, usually before the age of 3. The symptoms of ASD can vary, but they all can affect the child’s ability to communicate and interact with others.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The three key symptoms to watch out for this disorder are: difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. While some children diagnosed with ADHD show symptoms under all these categories, others may have symptoms in only one.

Mood disorder

Yes, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression can affect children too. Mood disorders can be characterised by persistent feelings of sadness or extreme mood swings, which are more severe than the normal mood swings experienced by most people.

Eating Disorder

Children, especially teens, can be a little more conscious with their body. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, can be serious and life-threatening. It is important to address eating problems a child can have and get adequate support and professional intervention when necessary.

Schizophrenia

This chronic mental health condition makes a child lose touch with reality. The symptoms usually appear in teenage years or through the 20s.

What are the warning signs that a child can have a serious mental health condition? Changes in behaviour, intense emotional responses, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and substance abuse are among the major signs. Children suffering from mental health conditions may also experience physical symptoms such as drastic weight loss, frequent stomach ache and headache, and fatigue.

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