Common Mental Disorders in Children

As parents and caregivers, we know our children better than anyone. If your child has been behaving or reacting in ways that feel different, it’s important to know that mental health concerns in children are real and more common than many people realize.

In the United States, about 21% of children ages 3 to 17 have received a diagnosis related to their mental, emotional, or behavioral health [*].

This resource page will help you recognize common mental disorders in children, spot possible warning signs, and learn about treatments and support options.

Common Mental Disorders Among Children

Kids can struggle with a range of mental health issues, and each one can impact how they feel, behave, or connect with others. Here are some of the most common mental health conditions seen in children:

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders involve more than the usual worries or fears kids sometimes have, and it affects 11% of children ages 3–17 in the U.S.

A child with anxiety may worry all the time, avoid certain places or situations, need constant reassurance, or experience frequent headaches or stomachaches.

Generalized anxiety disorder is common. This is when a child worries about many areas of life. Other types include separation anxiety, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which may involve intrusive thoughts and repeated actions.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to focus, stay organized, and manage impulses. It affects about 11.4% of children ages 3–17 in the U.S.

Some children with ADHD mainly struggle with inattention, such as having trouble focusing, following instructions, staying organized, or frequently losing things.

Others show more hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, such as fidgeting, interrupting, talking excessively, or acting without thinking.

There is also a combined presentation, where a child shows both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. It’s the most common type of ADHD in children [*].

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child communicates, processes information, and responds to their environment. It affects about 1 in 31 children in the U.S [*].

Because it is a spectrum disorder, children with ASD can have a wide range of strengths and needs.

Children with ASD may experience challenges with social communication, such as maintaining eye contact and engaging in back-and-forth conversations. They may also find it difficult to interpret facial expressions and other social cues.

Parents may notice repetitive behaviors, a strong need for routine, or increased distress when their usual routine is disrupted.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a child experiences or witnesses a frightening or overwhelming event. This may include an accident, abuse, a natural disaster, violence, or losing a loved one.

While many children begin to recover with time and support from adults, some may continue to experience symptoms that last for more than one month, which may be a sign of PTSD [*].

PTSD can affect children and teens of any age. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that about 5% of adolescents in the U.S. experience PTSD at some point, with rates tending to be higher in girls than boys.

Depressive disorders

Depressive disorders involve more than feeling sad from time to time. These conditions affect a child’s mood, thoughts, energy, and interest in everyday life. About 4% of children ages 3–17 in the U.S. have been diagnosed with depression.

Children with depression may seem persistently sad, irritable, tired, or less interested in activities they once enjoyed. Some may withdraw from family and friends, have trouble sleeping, experience changes in appetite, or speak negatively about themselves.

Common types include major depressive disorder, which involves more intense symptoms over a period of time, and persistent depressive disorder, where low mood lasts for a longer period, usually for a year or more in children.

Another type is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), where a child is basically irritable all the time, with explosive tantrums way out of proportion for their age.

One study found that more than 90% of children with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) had at least one other mental health condition as well [*]. These co-occurring conditions often included ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder.

Mood disorders

Mood disorders are a broader group of conditions that involve huge shifts in a child’s emotional state. They are more intense and longer-lasting than typical mood shifts that come with stress or growing up.

An example is bipolar disorder, which may involve episodes of unusually high energy or an elevated mood, followed by periods of sadness or low energy. Bipolar disorder commonly begins during the teen years, with symptoms starting around age 15, though some children may show signs earlier [*].

Eating disorders

Eating disorders involve unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to food, eating, body image, or weight.

While they are more common in older children and teens, they can begin earlier as well. In the U.S., about 2.7% of adolescents ages 13–18 have experienced an eating disorder at some point [*].

Parents may notice behaviors such as skipping meals, eating in secret, becoming overly focused on weight or appearance, or expressing intense fear about gaining weight.

Some children may eat very little, while others may have episodes of overeating followed by guilt or compensatory behaviors.

Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. These conditions can affect both mental and physical health.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a rare but serious mental health condition that affects how a child understands reality. When schizophrenia begins before age 18, it is known as early-onset schizophrenia. It is very uncommon for symptoms to start before age 13 [*].

A teen with schizophrenia may seem confused, have difficulty expressing their thoughts clearly, pull away from family or friends, or report seeing or hearing things that others do not. They may also hold unusual beliefs or ideas that do not align with reality.

Because these symptoms can sometimes overlap with severe anxiety, trauma-related conditions, or mood disorders, a comprehensive evaluation is important.

Warning Signs of Mental Disorders in Children

Every child is different, but there are certain signs that parents and caregivers may be able to notice that could mean it’s time to speak with a healthcare provider.

These are general warning signs and may vary depending on the child’s age, personality, and specific condition:

• Sadness, irritability, or mood changes that happen frequently
• Excessive worry, fear, or nervousness
• Physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches without a clear cause
• Isolating themselves from their friends or favorite activities
• Trouble focusing or following instructions
• Sudden decline in school performance
• Frequent tantrums, anger outbursts, or aggression
• Repetitive behaviors or rituals
• Changes in energy levels (unusually tired or restless)
• Talking negatively about themselves or feeling hopeless
• Significant changes in eating habits or body image concerns
• Hearing, seeing, or strongly believing things that are not based in reality

If you notice one or more of these signs, seek help from a healthcare provider or mental health professional as soon as possible.

Treatment for Mental Disorders in Children

Getting professional help early is important because it can prevent symptoms from worsening. It also helps reduce long-term challenges in a child’s school performance, relationships, and family life.

Therapy is a major part of a child’s treatment. Through therapy, children can learn age-appropriate skills to manage their worries, cope with strong feelings, and practice problem-solving.

Common therapy approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, behavior therapy, family therapy, and trauma-focused therapy.

Medication may be recommended when a child’s symptoms are greatly affecting their daily life or when therapy alone is not enough. This may be considered for conditions like ADHD, severe anxiety, depression, or other conditions that affect safety.

Decisions about medication should always be made with a qualified healthcare provider.

Mental Health Disorder Treatment Centers

Young people struggling with mental health and academic challenges benefit from programs that address their emotional needs. Parents and caregivers can check out these options:

• Embark Behavioral Health - A therapeutic boarding school that offers a highly structured, nurturing environment for teens in crisis. They follow a special framework that ensures they receive personalized, outcomes-driven care.
• Newport Academy - They provide around-the-clock care for teens struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, and other mental health challenges. Their programs combine clinical therapy, family involvement, and experiential activities.
• Turnbridge - They help teens turn mental health and behavioral challenges into real opportunities for growth. Their programs mix therapy, school support, life skills, and fun activities so clients can build the tools they need for life.
• Visions - They offer personalized, evidence-based care for teens dealing with substance use and co-occurring disorders. Teens benefit from therapy, psychiatry, education, and family involvement so they can develop healthy coping skills and return home stronger.

Resources

Reliable information and guidance are available to help parents and caregivers make informed decisions. These resources offer insights into common mental disorders in children:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• MSD Manuals
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)