Knowing When to Seek Treatment for Mental Health Disorders

Knowing when to seek treatment for mental health disorders is important for parents and families. Families, spouses, teachers, or friends are often the first to suspect that their loved one or their student is challenged by feelings, behaviors, or other conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include:

Problems with relationships with friends or family members
Problems with work or school
Sleep problems
Changes in appetite
Trouble expressing emotion
Substance abuse
Delays in development
Trouble coping
Inattentive

It’s also important to know that people of different ages will show different symptoms and behaviors. Getting familiar with the common behaviors of children, teens, and adults that make it hard for them to adapt to situations will often help in identifying any problems early. It’s important for families who suspect a problem in one or more of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for mental health disorders is available and usually works well.

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in a young child?

These are the most common symptoms of a possible emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem in a younger child. But each child may have different symptoms. Symptoms may include:

Poor grades or a big drop in school performance. This can happen even though the child studies and tries hard to succeed.
Withdrawal from activities, friends, or family
Sleep disturbances like sleep terrors, nightmares, or insomnia
Hyperactivity
Constant or frequent aggression or “acting out” for longer than 6 months
Constant or frequent rebellion; opposition to authority and direction for longer than 6 months
Refusal to attend school on a regular or frequent basis
Refusal to take part in school or family activities
Excessive worry or anxiety
Excessive, regular temper tantrums without cause

The symptoms of a possible emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem may look like other conditions. Always talk with your child’s healthcare provider for a diagnosis. You can involve school staff for consistency and support.

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in a teen?

These are the most common symptoms of a possible emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem in a teenager that may lead to a mental health assessment. But each teen may have slightly different symptoms. Symptoms may include:

Poor grades or a big drop in school performance. This can happen even though the teen studies and tries hard to succeed.
Social withdrawal from activities, friends, and/or family
Concern expressed by teachers, friends, or family about the teen’s behavior
Abuse of alcohol or drugs
Sleep problems such as persistent night terrors, nightmares, insomnia, or hypersomnia
Depression. This includes poor mood, negativity, and mood swings.
Appetite changes such as refusal to eat, excessive eating, food rituals, bingeing, or purging
Constant or frequent aggression or “acting out” for longer than 6 months
Constant or frequent rebellion; opposition to authority and direction for longer than 6 months
Constant or frequent anger for longer than 6 months
Skipping school
Refusal to take part in school, family, sport, or social activities
Excessive worry and/or anxiety
Self-injurious behaviors
Threats to self or others
Thoughts of death
Thoughts or talk of suicide
Running away or threatening to run away
Destructive behaviors such as vandalism, or criminal activity
Sexually “acting out”
Lying or cheating
Many physical complaints

The symptoms of a possible emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem may look like other conditions. Always talk with your teen’s healthcare provider for a diagnosis. You can involve school staff for consistency and support.

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in an adult?

These are the most common symptoms of a possible emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem in an adult. But each person may have different symptoms. Symptoms may include:

Big drop in work performance, poor work attendance, or lack of productivity
Social withdrawal from activities, friends, or family
Abuse of alcohol or drugs
Sleep problems such as persistent nightmares, insomnia, hypersomnia, or flashbacks
Depression. This includes poor mood, negativity, or mood swings.
Appetite changes such as losing or gaining a lot of weight
Constant or frequent aggression
Constant or frequent anger for longer than 6 months
Excessive worry or anxiety
Threats to self or others
Thoughts of death
Thoughts or talk of suicide
Destructive behaviors such as criminal activity or stealing
Sexually “acting out”
Lying or cheating
Many physical complaints, including being constantly tense or frequent aches and pains that can’t be traced to a physical cause or injury
Sudden feelings of panic, dizziness, or increased heartbeat
Increased feelings of guilt, helplessness, or hopelessness
Decreased energy

The symptoms of a possible emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem may look like other conditions. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.