Mental Health Disorders in Children and Teens

Dr. Purushothaman
September 5, 2013

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 Disorders (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reports the following:
Research studies have reported that up to about 3.7 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 15 in the US suffer from depression.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems that occur in children and adolescents.
Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders in children and adolescents. It affects an estimated 8.6 percent of youths ages 8 to 15.
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 lives, if they receive appropriate treatment.

Listed in the directory below you will find some additional information regarding some of the different types of mental health disorders in children and teens, for which we have provided a brief overview.​

OSU Harding Hospital at The Ohio State University Medical Center offers the most comprehensive behavioural healthcare services and​ programs for children and adolescents, adults and older adults in central Ohio. Our team of professionals includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, registered nurses, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, chaplains and licensed counselors. All treatment programs emphasize a return to independent living and encourage family participation.

Common areas of focus include anxiety and panic attacks, depression, post-traumatic disorders, family and marital conflict, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and sexual abuse, to name a few.

Our approach to diagnosis and treatment takes place in a caring and supportive environment beginning with interviews and appropriate tests to identify the specific nature of the problem. Decisions about medical treatments and therapy are based on the patient''s individual situation and are tailored to meet his or her needs.

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