Mental disorders diagnosed in childhood

Mental disorders diagnosed in childhood are a group of psychiatric disorders that are typically diagnosed during infancy, childhood, or adolescence. These disorders can have a significant impact on a child's development and overall quality of life. They include a wide range of conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, and Learning Disorders.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity). These symptoms can interfere with a child's ability to succeed in school, in their relationships with family and peers, and in their later job performance.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors. The disorder covers a large spectrum of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment. Autism spectrum disorder impacts the nervous system and affects the overall cognitive, emotional, social and physical health of the affected individual.

Learning Disorders

Learning Disorders are conditions that affect the ability to learn specific academic skills such as reading, writing, or math. They are not indicative of intelligence levels. Rather, people with learning disorders see, hear, and understand things differently. This can lead to trouble learning new information and skills, and putting them to use.

Treatment

Treatment for mental disorders diagnosed in childhood often involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and behavioral techniques. The specific treatment plan will depend on the child and the disorder. Early intervention and treatment can significantly improve the child's development and ability to function.

See also

• Childhood schizophrenia
• Conduct disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Pediatric psychology
• Pediatric neuropsychology

References

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