Taking Care of Your Child’s Mental Health

When your child has a high fever or ongoing headaches, you know you should call the doctor.

But, what if your baby overreacts to noise? Or, your 10-year-old is constantly irritable? You may not recognize those symptoms, but they point to a possible mental or emotional disorder. Just like physical illness, mental and emotional disorders can be treated.

“Children’s mental health problems can be difficult to recognize because the signs can be subtle or different from those of an adult who’s suffering from the same condition,” says Robert L. Hendren, D.O., president of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Hendren is a psychiatry and behavioral sciences specialist in Sacramento, Calif.

Young children often have a difficult time understanding and identifying their feelings. Because of this, they’re not likely to ask their parents for help. That's why as a parent, it's important to learn the signs and symptoms that children with mental health problems may have, so you'll know when to seek help.

Cause for concern

Mental health disorders are a possible cause when a child has problems sleeping, eating, socializing, or making steady progress in learning or behavior.

These are warning signs to be aware of in infants and preschoolers:

• Inability to soothe themselves

• Too much or too little attachment to parents

• Lack of awareness

• Inability or lack of interest in talking

• Over- or under-reacting to noise or movement

In children ages 4 to 12, watch for these signs:

• Chronic irritability or anger

• Lack of ability to control impulsive behavior

• Lack of focus or concentration

• Withdrawal from family

• Increased anxiety

• Changes in school performance

These and other symptoms could mean that a child has one or more of the following conditions:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD makes it hard for children to control their behavior and focus their attention. Children with ADHD have difficulty remaining still, taking turns, and keeping quiet.

Autism

Autism makes it difficult for children to successfully interact and communicate with others.

Depression

Depression in children has different symptoms in different age groups. Children ages 3 to 5 may be sad, detached, angry, or fearful. They also may have ongoing physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, and sleep problems. Children ages 6 to 12 may be irritable, moody, continually sad, and apathetic.

Other conditions:

• Anxiety disorders are marked by excessive fear, worry, or uneasiness.

• Learning disorders can show up as problems with language, coordination, attention, or self-control.

• Oppositional defiant disorder is a pattern of disobedient and hostile behavior toward teachers and parents.

Sources of hope

Children with these problems need treatment, as well as support at home and school. Children may require medication or talk therapy, but they often can be treated with a change in their home or school environment.

“If you believe your child could be suffering from an emotional problem, seek an evaluation from a pediatrician or a specialist in child psychiatry or psychology,” Dr. Hendren says. “And, most important, don’t give up if you feel your child’s needs aren’t being addressed.”