Mental health disorders in children are generally defined as delays or disruptions in developing age-appropriate thinking, behaviors, social skills or regulation of emotions. These problems are distressing to children and disrupt their ability to function well at home, in school or in other social situations.
Always seek immediate help if a child engages in unsafe behavior or talks about wanting to hurt him or herself or someone else. Seek help when a child’s behavior or emotional difficulties last for more than a few weeks and are causing problems at school, at home, or with friends. A thorough evaluation can help determine if treatment is necessary, and which treatments may be most effective. Early treatment can help address a child’s current difficulties and can also help prevent more serious problems in the future