• Which mental disorders are often seen in young people?

  • Anxiety disorders. These are the most common mental health problems in young people. They include panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
  • ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). ADHD symptoms include poor attention and focus. Young people with ADHD are easily distracted and act on impulse.
  • Depression. This affects mood, energy, interests, sleep, appetite, and overall functioning. Symptoms are extreme and are seen most days of the week. They can greatly interfere with the ability to function at home or at school.
  • Bipolar disorder. This illness causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. Times of disruption switch off with periods of withdrawal and other depressive symptoms.
• How are mental disorders diagnosed in young people?

  • A mental health provider will make the diagnosis. He or she will take a detailed family history, write down your developmental history, and watch current symptoms. Standardized testing may also be done. A skilled mental health provider will analyze all of the information. If certain diagnostic criteria are met, he or she will make a diagnosis. These are based on the young person’s age and reports from parents and other caregivers or teachers.