Mental disorders in children are quite common, occurring in about one-quarter of this age group in any given year. The most common childhood mental disorders are anxiety disorders, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

1. Mental Health
Conditions Among
Children – A Growing
Problem

2. Mental disorders in children are quite common, occurring in
about one-quarter of this age group in any given year. The
most common childhood mental disorders are anxiety
disorders, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD).
Young people are increasingly more likely than adults to be
diagnosed with a mental health disorder, according to a
large new study.
Nearly 5 million children in the U.S. have some type of
serious mental illness. In any given year, 20% of American
children will be diagnosed with a mental illness.
A survey finds mental health problems among children are
a growing problem for schools
Mental Health Problems
Among Children

4. Thereare several different types of mental disorders that
can affect children and adolescents, including:
Anxiety disorders
Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Disruptivebehaviourdisorder
Eating disorder
Learning & communication disorders
Mood disorders
Schizophrenia
The MostCommon Mental
Health Conditions

6. Symptoms in children vary depending on the type of
mental illness, but some of the general symptomsinclude:
Abuseof drugs and/or alcohol
Inability to cope with daily problems and activities
Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
Excessive complaints of physical ailments
Defying authority, skipping school, stealing, or damaging
property
Long-lasting negative moods, often accompanied by
poor appetite and thoughts of death
Frequent outbursts of anger
Changes in school performance, such as getting poor
grades despite good efforts
Loss of interest in friends and activities they usually enjoy
Significant increase in time spentalone
Symptoms of Mental
Illness

8. Millions of American children live with depression, anxiety,
ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, Tourette syndrome or a
host of other mental health issues.
ADHD was the most prevalent current diagnosis among
children aged 3–17 years.
The number of children with a mental disorder increased
with age, with the exception of autism spectrum disorders,
which was highest among 6 to 11 year old children.
Boys were more likely than girls to have ADHD, behavioral
or conduct problems, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety,
Tourette syndrome, and cigarette dependence.
Adolescent boys aged 12–17 years were more likely than
girls to die by suicide.
Adolescent girls were more likely than boys to have
depression or an alcohol use disorder.
Who Is Affected?

10. Problems Percentage
ADHD 6.8%
BehaviouralorConduct 3.5%
Anxiety 3.0%
Depression 2.1%
Autism disorder 1.1%
Tourette syndrome 0.2%
Data collected from a variety of data sources
between the years 2005-2011show :
Children aged 3-17 years currentlyhad :

11. 1.Heredity:Manymental disorders run in families,
suggesting that the disorders, or more accurately, a
vulnerability to the disorders, might be passed on from
parents to children through genes.
1.Biology:As in adults, many mental disorders in children
have been linked to abnormal functioning of
particular brain regions that control emotion, thinking,
perception, and behavior. Head traumas also can
sometimes lead to changes in mood and personality.
Cause of Mental Disorders

13. 3. Psychologicaltrauma: Some mental disorders might be
triggered by psychological trauma, such as severe
emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; an important early
loss, such as the loss of a parent; and neglect.
4. Environmentalstress: Stressful or traumatic events can
trigger a disorder in a person with a vulnerability to a
mental disorder.
Cause of Mental Disorders

14. Parents: You know your child best. Talk to your child's health
care professional if you have concerns about the way your child
behaves at home, in school, or with friends.
Youth: It is just as important to take care of your mental
health as it is your physical health. If you are angry, worried or
sad, don't be afraid to talk about your feelings and reach out to
a trusted friend or adult.
Health care professionals: Early diagnosis and appropriate
treatment based on updated guidelines is very important. There
are resources available to help diagnose and treat children's
mental disorders.
Teachers/School Administrators: Early identification is
important, so that children can get the help they need. Work
with families and health care professionals if you have
concerns about the mental health of a child in your school.
What YouCan Do