Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Many mental disorders have their beginnings in childhood or adolescence. The National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey found that 13 percent of children ages 8 to 15 had at least one mental disorder, a rate that is comparable to diabetes, asthma, and other diseases of childhood. Yet, mental disorders often go undiagnosed and untreated for years. NIMH’s research focuses on identifying symptoms early and finding effective treatments that can have a significant impact on how children develop and function as they grow into adults.

NIMH Audio and Video about Children and Adolescents

Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
Dr. Lisa Gilotty with the Research Program on Autism Spectrum Disorders at the National Institute of Mental Health talks about ASD research.

ADHD-Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
Dr. Ben Vitiello, Child and Adolescent Treatment and Preventive Intervention Research Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, talks about the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.

ADHD-Treatment Options for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
Dr. Ben Vitiello, Child and Adolescent Treatment and Preventive Intervention Research Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, talks about therapy and medication treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.

Childhood Depression-Symptoms and Treatment
Dr. Ben Vitiello, Child and Adolescent Treatment and Preventive Intervention Research Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, talks about the symptoms of childhood depression and treatment options.

Anxiety Disorders in Children
Dr. Joel Sherrill, head of the Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Intervention Research Program at the National Institute of Mental Health, talks about the various anxiety disorders that can affect children.

Childhood Suicide-Using the Internet to Keep Kids Safe
Dr. Jane Pearson, Division of Services and Intervention Research, National Institute of Mental Health, talks about the internet and how it can be a tool to prevent childhood suicide.

Childhood Suicide- Warning Signs for Adults and Communities
Dr. Jane Pearson, Division of Services and Intervention Research, National Institute of Mental Health, discusses the important warning signs that come from children and how well-intended reactions to tragedy can have unintended consequences.

• Speaking of Science- Dr. Kathleen Merikangas: A Revealing Study into the Mental Health of America’s Children

• Peter Bearman: Increased Prevalence of Autism — What’s Causing It?

NIMH conducts research on:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
• Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness)
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Suicide Prevention

Related Information

• Treatment
  • Information about medications
  • Antidepressant Medications for Children and Adolescents: Information for Parents and Caregivers
  • Psychotherapies
• Information from NLM's MedlinePlus
  • Child Behavior Disorders
  • Child Mental Health
  • Teen Mental Health
• Traumatic Events
  • Coping with Traumatic Events
  • Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do
  • Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Community Members Can Do
  • Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Rescue Workers Can Do
  • Children and Violence

Materials and Other Resources for Children and Adolescents

• The Science of Mental Illness: An NIH curriculum supplement for middle school