Mental Health
Explore our mental health resources to get a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and practical strategies for maintaining a healthy mind.
Explore mental health
Causes
Mental health issues can stem from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Definition
Mental health conditions encompass a wide range of disorders that affect thoughts, emotions, behavior, and overall well being.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing mental health conditions involves a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, personal history, and clinical evaluation.
Management
Managing mental health often involves a combination of therapy, medication, self-care practices, and help from a support system.
Prevention
For many, knowing what exacerbates mental health issues is the first step in understanding how to prevent them.
Recovery
Recovery from mental health issues often involves a combination of therapy, support systems, and, in some cases, medication.
Related Conditions
Various health conditions can impact mental health, exacerbating existing conditions like anxiety, depression, and more.
Symptoms
The signs of mental health issues can vary widely but may include changes in mood, thoughts, and behavior. Read more on symptoms.
Featured
Related Conditions
Restless Leg Disorders in Kids with ADHD
Research suggests children with ADHD are more likely to have sleep disorders, like insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and restless leg disorders.
Causes
Why Children Bite
A young child may bite out of frustration or when under stress. It may also be an attempt to gain power, or just a way of exploring the world.
Common mental health conditions
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Types
Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
Autism spectrum disorder is a problem that affects a child's nervous system and growth and development. It often shows up during a child's first 3 years of life.
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Types
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Children
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem. A child with PTSD has constant, scary thoughts and memories of a past event. The child finds the event terrifying, either physically or emotionally.
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Types
Tourette Syndrome in Children
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder that causes repeated tics. Tics are sudden, uncontrolled vocal sounds or muscle jerks. Symptoms of TD often begin between ages 5 and 10. Read this to learn more about TD in children.
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Types
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based, or neurodevelopmental, disorder. It is often first diagnosed in childhood.
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Types
Anorexia Nervosa in Children
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It is a form of self-starvation. Children and teens with this health problem have a distorted body image. They think they weigh too much.
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Types
Major Depression in Teens
Major depression goes beyond the day's normal ups and downs. It involves a teen's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns.
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Types
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in Children and Teens
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health problem. A child with GAD has a lot of worry and fear that seems to have no real cause.
School and mental health
Bullies: Helping Your Child Cope
Bullying can happen in school, on the playground, and on the Internet through social networking sites. Here are some warning signs to watch for, and information on how to help your child.
Learning Disorders in Children
A learning disorder is when a child has trouble learning in certain school subjects. Your child may have problems with reading, math, or writing. Here's what you need to know, and how to help.
Talking to Your Child About Gun Violence at School
Your child may come right out and ask you questions about gun violence. While it may catch you off guard, this is an opportunity to let them express their feelings.
For Parents: Signs That Your Child Is Being Bullied
Bullying is very common. About 1 in 5 children and teens ages 12 to 18 report that they were bullied over the last 12 months.
Spotlight on ADHD
Symptoms
What Is ADHD?
Does your child have trouble sitting still or paying attention? You may have been told that ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) may be the cause.
Problems Linked to ADHD
Any child can have depression, anxiety, or learning problems. These problems can exist along with ADHD. Or they can occur by themselves. The likely cause of a child’s symptoms can only be found by careful testing.
Diagnosing ADHD in a Child
Many tools are used to diagnose ADHD in a child. Parents, family, and teachers will be asked to describe your child's behavior. Doctors and educators will observe and test your child. This process can also help rule out other problems.
Treating ADHD: Medicine
Medicine is often part of a child's ADHD treatment plan. These medicines give a steady supply of the chemicals needed to send and receive messages within the brain.
