Childhood is the time of growth, development, and exploration. Children face so many good and bad experiences that shape their personalities. With the positive and negative effects, children may suffer from mental health disorders that disturb their childhood. People think that it’s not an issue, but one out of eight children is affected by the problems.
Mental health disorders can be managed by proper identification and treatment. Early precaution saves the life of a kid and turns their development on the right path. In this blog, we will discuss the 7 common mental health disorders in children, their effects, and treatments.
1. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
The most common mental disorder diagnosed among children is ADHD, which is found in up to 9 percent of youth under the age of 17. Children with ADHD usually have problems with attention; they are easily distracted and can be occasionally irresponsible. You may observe a child who is unable to sit in one place, is incessant, or has difficulty taking turns.
These are more than normal child restlessness behaviors. With ADHD, everyday life can be overwhelming to the children, school work triggers, friendships are kept at arm -length, and the self-image may suffer. It is not always easy to diagnose, as most children are active by nature or forgetful, but when these symptoms become persistent and start affecting their lives, then it is time to seek help.
ADHD Treatment:
What do doctors advise in the treatment and management of ADHD? Therapies usually comprise behavioral therapy, counselling, and medicines in some cases. The aim is to assist children to cope with their symptoms and do well both at home and at school.
2. Anxiety Disorders
The second most common mental disorder found in children is anxiety. A study said that 7 percent of children experience anxiety symptoms such as general anxiety, separation anxiety, and social anxiety. Different factors become the reason for anxiety, like kids might be overly worried about school, family issues, parental fights, future tension, and many other things.
Anxiety in children may show up as difficulties in sleeping, frequent abdominal pain, irritability, or parental clinging. Anxiety can also present itself in forms of anger or defiance, and one can fail to recognize the actual root.
Anxiety Treatment:
The solution is early intervention. The children can be taught to overcome their fears and gain confidence through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and, in some situations, medication.
3. Depression
Children should be sad occasionally, but depression is not the same. It is a continuous feeling of depression, hopelessness, or loss of interest in things that they loved doing. Depression affects about 3 percent of kids and can be manifested through sleep, appetite, or energy changes.
Kids cannot always put their feelings into words, so behavioral changes are significant to pay attention to. Symptoms seen in depressed children include being away from friends, performing poorly at school, and appearing to be excessively irritable.
Depression Treatment:
Kids can recover from depression and its symptoms with the right help. The treatment and management of depression in children involves therapy, CBT, or play therapy, and medication. Children can recover with the right help.
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the way children communicate, interact, and perceive the world. The early signs can be limited eye contact, late speech, or repetitive behavior. Autistic children do not take part in social interactions or develop relationships.
Autism Treatment:
Each child who has autism is special, and the symptoms may vary in severity. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral support, and other early interventions can teach children the necessary skills and establish positive relationships with other people.
5. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Anger, defiant, and vindictive behavior are most commonly found in children, but this does not mean it’s a disorder. If these behaviors last for six months, then your kid needs help. Kids with this disorder may argue with adults, disobey the rules, refuse, and annoy others.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment:
It can be treated and managed by both the kid and the family. Therapies can help in the treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
6. Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a more serious mental disorder than oppositional defiant disorder. Children with this disorder might tell lies, steal things, and break rules continuously. This behavior is bad for kids, society, and kids’ families.
Conduct Disorder Treatment:
Mistreated and untreated conditions may create a worse situation for the kid and the family. It can be treated with the help of therapies and the support of the family.
7. Eating Disorders
Food is a power pack for the kids; it helps in growth and development. The eating problems such as anorexia, not eating enough food, and bulimia, eating more than normal. The warning signs are a sudden change in weight, fixation on food or body image, missing meals, or over-exercising.
Eating Disorders Treatment:
The effects of eating disorders may be dangerous, both physically and emotionally. Recovery of children is most likely when treatment is conducted by a team of professionals: doctors, therapists, and nutritionists, at an early age.
The Role of Parents in Children’s Mental Health
Parents are the first line of support for a child’s mental well-being. Here’s how you can help:
- Create a safe, non-judgmental space where your child feels comfortable sharing emotions
- Practice active listening without interrupting or dismissing their feelings
- Spend quality time together to build trust and strengthen your bond
- Model healthy coping mechanisms and emotional regulation in daily life
- Watch for warning signs like mood changes, withdrawal, or behavioral shifts
- Seek professional help early when concerns arise, don’t wait for things to worsen
- Remember, acknowledging mental health struggles shows strength, not failure
Your support can be the foundation for your child’s recovery and lifelong well-being.
Wrapping Up
Children’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. If you notice persistent changes in your child’s mood, behavior, or daily activities such as withdrawal, irritability, sleep problems, or declining school performance. It is time to seek professional guidance. Marham connects you with Pakistan’s top child psychologists who can support your family at every step. Early intervention helps prevent minor concerns from developing into serious, long-term challenges.
