Children grow and change constantly, and so does their behavior. Tantrums at two, fears at five and moodiness at fourteen are part of normal development. Behavioral and emotional disorders are different: the problems last longer, are more intense than expected for the child’s age and get in the way of learning, family life and friendships. Doctors once believed that conditions such as depression and anxiety began only in adulthood. Today we know many start in childhood, and that early help makes a real difference. This overview explains the most common disorders, how to tell when a child needs help, what raises or lowers risk and where to start.
Key points
- According to the CDC, about 1 in 6 US children aged 2 to 8 has a diagnosed mental, behavioral or developmental disorder.
- Among children aged 3 to 17, about 9.4% had diagnosed anxiety, 8.9% behavior problems and 4.4% depression in 2016 to 2019.
- The National Institute of Mental Health notes that half of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14.
- Warning signs are changes that last for weeks, are intense and affect daily life.
- The child’s pediatrician and the school counselor are good first contacts; in a crisis, call or text 988.
How common these disorders are
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show how widespread childhood mental health conditions are in the United States:
- About 1 in 6 children aged 2 to 8 has a diagnosed mental, behavioral or developmental disorder.
- ADHD: about 11.4% of children aged 3 to 17 had ever been diagnosed by 2022.
- Anxiety: about 9.4% of children aged 3 to 17 (2016 to 2019).
- Behavior problems: about 8.9% (2016 to 2019).
- Depression: about 4.4% (2016 to 2019), with much higher rates among teenagers.
Many children have more than one condition. Anxiety and depression often occur together, and most children with ADHD have at least one other diagnosis.
The main behavioral and emotional disorders
| Disorder | Typical signs in children | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| ADHD | Trouble paying attention, constant movement, acting without thinking, at home and at school | Children with ADHD |
| Anxiety disorders | Excessive worry, fears that block school or sleep, clinging, stomachaches, avoidance | Children with anxiety |
| Depression | Sadness or irritability, loss of interest, sleep and appetite changes, hopeless talk | Antidepressants in childhood depression |
| Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) | Frequent anger, arguing with adults, refusing rules, deliberately annoying others | Conduct disorder and ODD |
| Conduct disorder | Aggression, cruelty, destroying property, lying, stealing, serious rule breaking | Conduct disorder and ODD |
| Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) | Intrusive fears and rituals such as washing, checking or counting | Children with OCD |
| Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | Nightmares, reenacting trauma in play, being easily startled, avoiding reminders | Cognitive therapy (TF-CBT) |
| Eating disorders | Severe food restriction, fear of weight gain, bingeing or purging, rapid weight change | Family-based treatment |
| Autism spectrum disorder | Differences in social communication, repetitive behaviors, strong sensory reactions | Children with autism |
Other conditions seen in childhood include tic disorders and Tourette syndrome, learning disorders such as dyslexia, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), a diagnosis added in 2013 for children with severe, frequent temper outbursts and constant irritability. Bipolar disorder is rare in young children; much of what was once called childhood bipolar disorder is now understood differently.
Normal phase or warning sign?
A useful rule: look at duration, intensity and impact. Talk to a professional if problems last more than a few weeks, are clearly stronger than in other children the same age, or interfere with daily life. Specific warning signs:
- Sadness, irritability or withdrawal lasting two weeks or more
- Severe mood swings that strain relationships
- Intense fears or worries that keep a child from usual activities
- Frequent, severe tantrums or aggression beyond what is typical for the age
- Sudden drop in grades, refusing school
- Big changes in eating, sleep or weight
- Repeated physical complaints without a medical cause
- Use of alcohol or drugs
- Self-harm, talk of death or suicide. This needs immediate help.
What raises and lowers risk
Most disorders arise from a mix of genes, brain development and life experience. No single cause explains them, and parents are not to blame.
Risk factors
- Family history of mental health conditions or substance use
- Trauma, abuse, neglect or witnessing violence
- Ongoing stress such as poverty, housing instability, family conflict or a parent’s illness
- Bullying, including online
- Premature birth, prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs, chronic illness
Protective factors
- A warm, stable relationship with at least one caring adult
- Predictable routines and consistent, calm discipline
- Feeling connected to school and having friends
- Enough sleep, regular physical activity and limits on screen time
- Learning skills to name feelings and solve problems
Where to start
- Talk with your child. Ask open questions and listen without judging: “You’ve seemed upset lately. What’s been hard?”
- See the pediatrician. The doctor can check for medical causes, use screening questionnaires and refer you to specialists. Learn what to expect in how mental illness in children is diagnosed.
- Contact the school. Teachers and school counselors can share what they observe, and the school can evaluate learning needs and offer supports such as a Section 504 plan or an IEP.
- Find evidence-based treatment. Options include behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, parent training and, when needed, medication. See how mental illness in children is treated.
- Know crisis options. Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for urgent emotional support, or call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Why early help matters
Untreated childhood disorders can affect school achievement, friendships and family life and often continue into adolescence and adulthood. They also raise the risk of substance use and, in the case of depression, of suicide. Early treatment is linked with better outcomes, and many effective therapies are short-term and practical. Parents play a central role in nearly all of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can young children really have a mental health disorder?
Yes. Conditions such as anxiety, ADHD and autism can be recognized in preschoolers, and early help is often most effective.
Is my child’s behavior my fault?
No. These conditions result from many factors. Parents cannot cause them by themselves, but they can make a big difference in treatment.
Who should I call first?
Your child’s pediatrician is usually the best first step. The school counselor is another good contact.
Do all children with these disorders need medication?
No. Many children improve with therapy and support alone. Medication is considered for some conditions and for more severe symptoms.
This article is general information and does not replace an evaluation by a pediatrician or a licensed mental health professional.
