Definition:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the term “mental health in childhood” refers to a child that reaches developmental and emotional milestones and shows a healthy development of social skills.
The term “childhood mental disorder” means all mental health disorders that can be diagnosed and begin in childhood. Mental health disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions. Some examples of childhood mental health disorders are:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Behavior disorders
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Substance use disorders
Websites
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry mobile.aacap.org. See ‘Family and Youth Resources’
- American Psychological Association: apa.org
- Children’s Mental Health: kidsmentalhealth.org