Early childhood mental health means reaching emotional and developmental milestones while learning social skills and how to deal with adversity. A child’s mental health affects how they think, feel and act. The importance of mental health in early childhood is clear: It plays a critical role in how children handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices.

Research shows the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and mental health in adulthood can be linked.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are traumatic events that occur in childhood. Examples can include experiencing violence, abuse or neglect, witnessing violence in the home or community, or having a family member attempt or die by suicide.

Other ACEs include environmental factors that undermine the child’s sense of safety and stability. Some examples include growing up in a home with substance use problems, mental health issues, parental separation or family members being incarcerated.

There are many other traumatic experiences that can impact health and well-being, such as hunger, homelessness, unstable housing or discrimination.

A National Library of Medicine study on the impact of mental health on child development shows ACEs and negative mental health conditions can have significant effects on childhood mental development.

The impact of mental health issues on academic achievement in high school students is clear: Behavioral and mental health struggles in 3-year-olds were associated with low academic performance at age 12. Mental health difficulties at age 12 were associated with teens not completing high school or becoming ineligible for higher education opportunities due to poor academic performance. 

What are the 5 most common mental disorders in children?

Mental disorders are common in children of all ages and ethnic or racial backgrounds in the U.S. The CDC reports nearly 20% experience a mental disorder each year.

The CDC lists the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children as:

  1. Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
  2. Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  3. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
  4. Behavioral disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder.
  5. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

The CDC reports 9.8% of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed at some time with ADHD, while 9.4% have been diagnosed with anxiety. Behavior problems were reported in 8.9% of children, and 4.4% have been diagnosed with depression.

It’s important to understand that these conditions can exist at the same time, with depression being the most likely concurrent condition.

The prevalence of mental disorders can change as a child ages. Diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety and depression are more common with increased age. Behavior problems most frequently occur in children aged 6–11.

For adolescents aged 12–17, depression, substance use and suicide are important concerns. CDC research in 2018–2019 showed children reporting in the past year: 

  • 1% had a major depressive episode.
  • 7% had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
  • 1% had a substance use disorder.
  • 6% had an alcohol use disorder.
  • 2% had an illicit drug use disorder.
  • 8% seriously considered attempting suicide.
  • 7% made a suicide plan.
  • 9% attempted suicide.
  • 5% made a suicide attempt requiring medical treatment.

Why is children’s mental health important?

According to the CDC, good mental health is not simply the absence of a mental disorder. Mental health is crucial to overall health. Mental disorders are chronic health conditions that can last a long time, often don’t go away completely and can continue through someone’s lifetime.

The CDC reports 1 in 6 U.S. children aged 2–8 years (17.4%) had a diagnosed mental, behavioral or developmental disorder.

Without early diagnosis and treatment, children with mental disorders can have difficulties at home, in school and forming social bonds. Mental disorders can also interfere with a child’s healthy development, causing problems that can continue well into adulthood.

How to support a child with mental health issues

Childhood mental disorders can be successfully diagnosed, treated and managed. Recognizing that your child has a mental health problem and seeking professional support are important first steps.

Some symptoms to be aware of:

  • Excessive worry or fear that interferes with things they enjoy
  • Becoming more isolated or withdrawn
  • Intense bouts of sadness or feeling down that lasts beyond a few days
  • Unusual anger, irritability or mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating or a drop in grades or performance
  • A drop in appetite or significant weight change
  • Getting in trouble at school or fighting

For children, symptoms of mental disorders change over time and may include issues with how a child plays, learns, speaks, acts or handles their emotions. Symptoms can start in early childhood or during the teenage years. The diagnosis is often made in the school years and sometimes earlier, but some children with a mental disorder may not be recognized or diagnosed at all.

There are many treatment options available for children who need help. Parents should work closely with health professionals and educators for the most successful outcomes.

Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make all the difference in the lives of children with mental disorders. Mental health conditions often worsen over time, so early intervention is a critical part of supporting a child with mental health issues and preventing long-term negative impact.

If you know a child struggling with mental health, reach out to HICS at HICSIowa.org. Learn more about HICS’s children’s services here.