Problems in Children

Depression

affects more children and young people today than in the last few decades, but it is still more common in adults. Teenagers are more likely to experience depression than young children.

Self-harm

is a very common problem among young people. Some people find it helps them manage intense emotional pain if they harm themselves, through cutting or burning, for example. They may not wish to take their own life.

Generalized anxiety disorder

(GAD) can cause young people to become extremely worried. Very young children or children starting or moving school may have separation anxiety.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

(PTSD) can follow physical or sexual abuse, witnessing something extremely frightening of traumatizing, being the victim of violence or severe bullying or surviving a disaster.

Children who are consistently overactive ('hyperactive’),

behave impulsively and have difficulty paying attention, may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many more boys than girls are affected.

Eating disorders

usually start in the teenage years and are more common in girls than boys. The number of young people who develop an eating disorder is small, but eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can have serious consequences for their physical health and development.