Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Many children and adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with their normal development and daily life activities. Some mental health problems are mild, while others are more severe. Some mental health problems last for only short periods of time, while others, potentially, last a lifetime.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that one in five children and adolescents may have a mental health disorder.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems that occur in children and adolescents. Estimates suggest that 4.1 percent of children between the ages of 9 and 17 have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are common among adolescent and young women in the US.

It is important to know that help is available. Most children and adolescents who experience mental health problems can return to normal daily activities, if they receive appropriate treatment.