Adjustment disorders are quite common in children and teens. They are characterized by an excessive reaction to stress.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is eating disorder that is a form of self-starvation. A child or teen with AN has abnormally low body weight, a distorted body image, and an intense fear of gaining weight.

Detailed information on the most common types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias

ADHD is a behavior disorder marked by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.

A child with autism appears to live in his or her own world, showing little interest in others and a lack of social awareness.

Detailed information on behavior problems in adolescents, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder

Bulimia nervosa is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing) usually followed by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications in an attempt to control weight.

Young children with communication disorders may not speak at all, or may have a limited vocabulary for their age. Some children with communication disorders have difficulty understanding simple directions or are unable to name objects.

A psychiatric evaluation looks at the child's behaviors, when those behaviors occur, and what impact those behaviors have on school, family, and other relationships.

A child with a conduct disorder has antisocial behaviors that violate the rights of others and age-appropriate social standards and rules.

Detailed information on developmental disorders in children

Detailed information on dysthymia, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Detailed information on adolescents and eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and obesity

Children or teens with generalized anxiety disorder often worry a lot about future events, past behaviors, social acceptance, and school performance.

Glossary of terms relating to mental health

Detailed information on child and adolescent mental health disorders

Common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem include poor grades in school, withdrawal from friends and family, and insomnia.

Learning disorders are sometimes called learning disabilities. Most children with learning disorders have normal intelligence, but they have difficulty with reading, math, or another academic area.

Common symptoms of major depression include persistent feelings of sadness, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.

Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is a type of affective disorder that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs. It is becoming an important health concern in this country.

Rituals and obsessive thoughts are a normal part of a teen's development. An adolescent with OCD has obsessive thoughts that are unwanted and related to fears.

List of online resources to find additional information on mental health

This behavior disorder is characterized by uncooperative, defiant, negativistic, irritable, and annoying behaviors toward parents, peers, teachers, and other authority figures.

Mood disorders in teens remain one of the most under-diagnosed mental health problems. These disorders also put teens at risk for other conditions that may persist long after the initial episodes of depression are resolved.

Children with PDD have difficulty with language, communication, socialization, and motor behaviors. Autism is an example of a PDD.

A serious accident such as a car wreck, or a natural disaster such as a flood can cause PTSD in a child. Physical or sexual abuse and neglect can be other causes.

Team members may include a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a psychologist, a social worker, and a psychiatric nurse.

Detailed information on schizophrenia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

All children and teens experience some anxiety—it's a normal part of growing up. When worries and fears abnormally focus on separation from home or family, the child may have separation anxiety disorder.

Substances frequently abused by adolescents include alcohol, marijuana, and amphetamines. Some teens are at higher risk of developing substance-related disorders.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15- to 24-year-olds. The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are depression, substance abuse, and aggressive or disruptive behaviors.

Detailed information on child and adolescent mental health disorders

A person with Tourette's disorder develops multiple repeated tics. The tics are abrupt, purposeless, and involuntary vocal sounds or muscular jerks.