Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Children and Teens | Bradley Hospital
Source: http://www.bradleyhospital.org/parents-guide/signs
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Children and Teens | Bradley Hospital
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Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Children and Teens
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Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Children and Teens
As a parent, you may be noticing some signs and symptoms in your child and wonder what they mean.
Signs and symptoms of mental health issues can be grouped together into symptom clusters. Symptom clusters can be thought of as different categories of mental health issues.
If your child’s behavior concerns you, write down how they act each day—specific signs or symptoms, how often they happen, in what context they happen, when you first noticed them, and any other concerns you have. This will be a big help when you talk to your child’s pediatrician or mental health specialist. It is also a good habit to get into for the future. If your child is diagnosed with a mental illness, your records can be very helpful in charting their symptoms and response to treatment over time.
Symptom Clusters, Signs and Symptoms, Possible Diagnoses
The following information outlines different symptom clusters, describes typical signs and symptoms, and lists possible diagnoses. This information is not meant to diagnose your child. Many of the signs and symptoms described in the following symptom clusters are also a normal part of child development. However, if the symptom begins to affect your child’s daily life in school, with family, or with friends, it may be a sign of a mental health issue. If your child is showing signs or symptoms of a mental health issue, talk to your child’s pediatrician. Distinguishing between normal child development and a mental health issue is difficult. Your child’s pediatrician can help.
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alcohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
reCAPTCHA
Skip to main content
Search for Resources & Information
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Children and Teens
URL COPIED!
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Children and Teens
As a parent, you may be noticing some signs and symptoms in your child and wonder what they mean.
Signs and symptoms of mental health issues can be grouped together into symptom clusters. Symptom clusters can be thought of as different categories of mental health issues.
If your child’s behavior concerns you, write down how they act each day—specific signs or symptoms, how often they happen, in what context they happen, when you first noticed them, and any other concerns you have. This will be a big help when you talk to your child’s pediatrician or mental health specialist. It is also a good habit to get into for the future. If your child is diagnosed with a mental illness, your records can be very helpful in charting their symptoms and response to treatment over time.
Symptom Clusters, Signs and Symptoms, Possible Diagnoses
The following information outlines different symptom clusters, describes typical signs and symptoms, and lists possible diagnoses. This information is not meant to diagnose your child. Many of the signs and symptoms described in the following symptom clusters are also a normal part of child development. However, if the symptom begins to affect your child’s daily life in school, with family, or with friends, it may be a sign of a mental health issue. If your child is showing signs or symptoms of a mental health issue, talk to your child’s pediatrician. Distinguishing between normal child development and a mental health issue is difficult. Your child’s pediatrician can help.
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alcohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
reCAPTCHA