(dailyRx)

Research indicates that half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Scientists continue to uncover evidence suggesting that changes in the body that lead to mental health issues may in fact start much earlier, before any symptoms appear.
The most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders affecting children today include anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders and schizophrenia. These conditions can seem quite harrowing, especially when diagnosed in children, but there is much hope. As scientists learn more about when and how fast specific areas of children's brains develop, a clearer picture is forming of the early stages of a range of mental illnesses that appear later in life. With this improved ability to identify these early stages, health care professionals can better help children and their parents manage these issues early in life and potentially prevent them from developing into more debilitating disorders later.

Unfortunately, some parents, caregivers and other people involved with children fail to appreciate that once a mental illness develops, it becomes a regular part of a child's behavior and more difficult to treat. So even though treatments--but not cures (yet)--are available for a number of mental health disorders, many children with these difficulties are not getting treatment.

If you are a parent or guardian of a child and are concerned that she or he might have a mental health disorder, the National Institutes of Mental Health has put together some answers to commonly asked questions regarding children and mental illness. The information that follows is meant to provide some guidance and even reassurance.

I'm concerned about my child's mental, behavioral, or emotional symptoms, but what should I do?
Talking to your child's health care provider is the first step. Before you go, learn everything you can about the behaviors or symptoms that worry you. If your child is in school, ask his or her teacher if your child's been showing worrisome changes in behavior. Share the information you gather with your child's health care provider.

Keep in mind that every child is different. Even normal development, such as when children develop language, motor and social skills, varies from child to child. When you're with your child's health care provider, ask if your daughter or son should be evaluated by a specialist with experience in child behavioral problems. Specialists may include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses and behavioral therapists. Educators may also help evaluate your child.

If you take your child to a specialist, ask that person if she or he has experience treating the problems you see in your child. Don't be afraid to interview more than one specialist to find the right fit for your child.

If your child is diagnosed with a mental health issue, learn as much as you can about it. The more you learn, the better you can work with your child's care provider(s) and make decisions that feel right for you, your child and your family.

How do I know if my child's problems are serious?
Not every mental health problem is serious. In fact, everyday stresses can cause your child's behavior to change, and not necessarily permanently. For example, the birth of a sibling may cause a child to temporarily act much younger than he or she is. You need to be able to tell the difference between typical behavior changes and those associated with more serious problems. Pay special attention to behaviors that include the following:

  • Problems across a variety of settings, such as at school, at home or with peers
  • Changes in appetite or sleep
  • Social withdrawal, or fearful behavior toward things your child normally is not afraid of
  • Returning to behaviors more common in younger children, such as bed-wetting, for a long time
  • Signs of being upset, such as sadness or tearfulness
  • Signs of self-destructive behavior, such as head-banging, or a tendency to get hurt often
  • Repeated thoughts of death

These behaviors are often symptoms of a mental health issue that needs to be addressed with professional help.

Keep in mind that every member of a family, even the youngest child, is affected by tragedy or extreme stress, such as an illness or death in the family, family financial problems, divorce or other events. It's normal for stress to upset a child and cause her or him to act out, so remember this information if you see mental, emotional or behavioral symptoms in your child. However, if it takes more than one month for your child to adjust to a new situation or change of circumstances or if your child has severe reactions, talk to your child's health care provider, for professional care may be needed. Stressful events are challenging, but they give your child the opportunity to learn ways to cope.

How are mental illnesses diagnosed in children?
Just like adults, mental health disorders are diagnosed in children after a doctor or mental health specialist carefully observes signs and symptoms. Some primary care physicians can diagnose a child themselves, but many such doctors will send a young patient to a specialist who can diagnose and treat children.

Before diagnosing a mental illness, the doctor or specialist tries to rule out other possible causes for a child's behavior. The doctor will typically take these and other steps to gather information about the child's health: