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Child Psychology

You should seek professional help for your child's behavior if it is significantly and persistently disruptive, causes them distress, or negatively impacts their relationships, schoolwork, and daily life. 

 

Key signs include severe mood swings, prolonged sadness or withdrawal, persistent anxiety, aggression, self-harming behaviors, or significant changes in sleeping or eating patterns that last more than a couple of weeks. If your child makes comments about self-harm or suicide, seek immediate professional assistance. 

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Behavioral and emotional signs

  • Significant changes: 

    Long-lasting and notable changes from their typical behavior, mood, or routine. 

  • Excessive worry or sadness: 

    Persistent sadness, irritability, or anxiety that seems out of proportion to the situation. 

  • Mood swings: 

    Frequent and intense outbursts, or abrupt and rapid mood changes. 

  • Withdrawing from activities: 

    Sudden and lasting loss of interest in things they used to enjoy, including social activities. 

  • Aggression or defiance: 

    Persistent defiance toward authority, frequent fighting, or aggressive behavior towards others. 

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Academic and social signs

  • School difficulties: Frequent misbehavior, frequent absences, or a sudden decrease in grades. 

  • Struggling socially: Difficulty making or keeping friends, or social isolation. 

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Other concerning signs

  • Changes in habits: Significant or prolonged changes in sleeping or eating habits. 

  • Harmful behaviors: Any self-harming behaviors, thoughts of suicide, or aggressive behavior that threatens others. 

  • Physical complaints: Frequent physical complaints, like headaches or stomachaches, that have no medical cause. 

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How to proceed

  • Trust your instincts: If you're concerned, it's important to get help. 

  • Talk to your pediatrician: A doctor can rule out medical issues and refer you to a specialist. 

  • Contact a professional: A licensed counselor or child therapist can provide support, especially if the behavior patterns persist for more than a few weeks. 

  • Be prepared to provide information: When you speak with a professional, be ready to describe the specific behaviors, what triggers them, and any warning signs. 

  • Seek immediate help for severe behaviors: If your child is engaging in self-harm, threatening suicide, or is a danger to themselves or others, seek immediate medical or mental health assistance. 

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Child Psychological Disorders

Most Common:

 

ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed psychological disorders in children. However, some data also shows that anxiety disorders are highly prevalent, and prevalence rates can vary depending on the age group and study. 

 

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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  • Symptoms: A child with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused and paying attention, controlling impulsive behavior, and may be overly active. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), describes three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.

  • Prevalence: A 2023 review of 2021 data found ADHD to be the most common neuro-behavioral disorder in children, affecting 5% to 12% in developed countries. Some studies find higher rates, with one March 2023 source citing it affects about 9% of youth under 17 in the U.S..

  • Comorbidity: A large number of children with ADHD also have another psychiatric disorder. Common co-occurring conditions include depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. 

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Anxiety Disorders

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  • Symptoms: Anxiety disorders in children manifest as excessive and persistent fears or worries that are out of proportion to the situation. Symptoms may include restlessness, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, irritability, stomachaches, and headaches.

  • Types: Specific anxiety disorders that appear in childhood include:

    • Generalized anxiety disorder: Persistent and excessive worry across multiple areas of life.

    • Separation anxiety: Extreme distress when anticipating or experiencing separation from a primary caregiver.

    • Social anxiety disorder: Fear of social situations where the child might be scrutinized or judged by others.

  • Prevalence: A 2024 analysis of 2023 CDC data found anxiety to be the most common condition among adolescents ages 12–17, affecting 16.1%. Another WHO fact sheet states that anxiety disorders are the most prevalent among adolescents aged 10–19, with rates increasing with age. 

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Other Common Childhood Disorders

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  • Disruptive behavioral disorders: These include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD).

    • ODD: A pattern of angry, irritable, argumentative, and defiant behavior toward authority figures.

    • CD: A pattern of aggressive, destructive, deceitful, or rule-breaking behavior.

  • Depression: Can affect children as young as preschoolers, though it is more frequent during adolescence. It involves persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities.

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is usually diagnosed in early childhood. 

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