Category: 6. Mental Health

Can Children Really Have Depression? Yes. Childhood depression is different from the normal “blues” and everyday emotions that children go through as they develop. Just because a child seems sad doesn’t necessarily mean they have significant depression. But if the sadness becomes persistent or interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life, it may mean they…

What Is Childhood Schizophrenia? Childhood schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder in children younger than age 13 that affects the way they deal with reality. They might have unusual thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. It’s also called childhood-onset or very early onset schizophrenia. The disorder is rare — less than 1% of children are diagnosed with it…

Although bipolar disorder more commonly develops in older teenagers and young adults, it can appear in children as young as 6. In recent years, it’s become a controversial diagnosis. Some experts believe it is rare and being overdiagnosed; others think the opposite. At this point, it’s hard to be sure just how common it is. Another diagnosis,…

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, about 20% of American children suffer from a diagnosable mental illness during a given year. Further, nearly 5 million American children and adolescents suffer from a serious mental illness (one that significantly interferes with their day-to-day life). Which Mental Illnesses Are Most Common in Children? Children can suffer from the following…