INVESTING IN CHILDREN

Children's Mental Health is Real

Children's mental health problems are real, common and treatable. Although one in five children has a psychological problem, almost two-thirds of them receive little or no help. Untreated mental health problems can disrupt the functioning of children at home, at school and in the community.

Without treatment, children with psychological problems are at greater risk of school failure, contact with the criminal justice system, dependence on social services and even suicide.

Parents and family members are often the first to notice if a child has problems with emotions or behavior. Your observations, along with those of teachers and other health care providers, can help determine if you need help for your child.

How to recognize it?

Decrease in school performance.
Low grades
Constant worry or anxiety
Repeated refusal to go to school or participate in normal activities
Hyperactivity or restlessness
Persistent nightmares
Disobedience or persistent aggression.
Frequent tantrums
Depression, sadness or irritability.

Early identification

Diagnosis and treatment can help children reach their full potential. A first step may be for your child to complete a screening test for young people, targeting young people (ages 11 to 17) who are concerned that their emotions, attention or behaviors may be signs of a problem. A complementary test for parents is also available.

Information from completed assessments can be helpful in initiating a conversation with your child about your mental health and may be helpful in talking with your child's pediatrician or mental health professional.

An evaluation may include consultation with a child psychiatrist, psychological tests, and medical tests to rule out any physical conditions that may be causing the symptoms. Children should also be carefully evaluated to distinguish possible mental health conditions from learning problems or developmental delays.

If your child is diagnosed with a mental health problem, a comprehensive treatment plan must include psychotherapy and, in some cases, may include medication. The plan must be developed with the family. Whenever possible, the child should participate in treatment decisions.