Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Children and Teens

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Children and Teens

As a parent, you may be noticing some signs and symptoms in your child and wonder what they mean.

Signs and symptoms of mental health issues can be grouped together into symptom clusters. Symptom clusters can be thought of as different categories of mental health issues.

Tip

If your child’s behavior concerns you, write down how they act each day—specific signs or symptoms, how often they happen, in what context they happen, when you first noticed them, and any other concerns you have. This will be a big help when you talk to your child’s pediatrician or mental health specialist. It is also a good habit to get into for the future. If your child is diagnosed with a mental illness, your records can be very helpful in charting their symptoms and response to treatment over time.

Symptom Clusters, Signs and Symptoms, Possible Diagnoses

The following information outlines different symptom clusters, describes typical signs and symptoms, and lists possible diagnoses. This information is not meant to diagnose your child. Many of the signs and symptoms described in the following symptom clusters are also a normal part of child development. However, if the symptom begins to affect your child’s daily life in school, with family, or with friends, it may be a sign of a mental health issue. If your child is showing signs or symptoms of a mental health issue, talk to your child’s pediatrician. Distinguishing between normal child development and a mental health issue is difficult. Your child’s pediatrician can help.

Bradley Hospital