Many children face behavioral or mental health challenges while growing up.  Some issues resolve over time while others require a comprehensive plan that includes therapy and medications.  Prevalence data from the CDC National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimates that 13% of children between the ages of 8 and 15 have a diagnosed mental disorder with ADHD being the most common diagnosis.  Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents.  The most common diagnoses according to age are listed below:

Childhood:

1. ADHD – 6.8%
2. Behavioral or conduct problems – 3.5%
3. Anxiety – 3%
4. Depression – 2.1%
5. Autism – 1%
6. Tourette – 0.2%

Adolescents (ages 12-17):

1. Illicit drug use – 4.7%
2. Alcohol use – 4.2%
3. Cigarette dependence -2.8%

The links below provide comprehensive information on the most common issues children and adolescents face.  Open communication between families, pediatricians and mental health providers can help children reach their maximal potential.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-adolescents-listing.shtml – great general information on ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, PANDAS, Suicide, and Teen Depression

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders-listing.shtml – great general information about generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder,  and social phobia

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders-listing.shtml – general information about eating disorders

http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/center/stress-center.html?ref=search – great information on teens on how to handle stress and feelings

http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anxiety.html?WT.ac=p-ra – general information about childhood fears, phobias and worries

http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/emotions/#catfeelings – listing of common behavioral and emotional issues (cyber bullying, self esteem, biting, good

sportsmanship  etc)

http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/FFF-Guide-Table-of-Contents.aspx – listing of mental health topics and links to more information

http://www.additudemag.com/ – great information for all aspects of ADHD

https://www.understood.org/en  – information on ADHD

http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm – fact sheet on underage drinking

http://www.samhsa.gov/disorders/substance-use – substance abuse information including alcohol, tobacco and other drugs