Child Disorders
Child Disorders 4/20/05 1:55 PM Page 1
LET’S
TALK
DEPRESSION
Common Childhood
ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY
FACTS
DISORDER (ADHD)
ABOUT
Disorders
CONDUCT DISORDER
For parents, the key to handling mental disorders of
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Conduct Disorder
children is to recognize the problem and seek
appropriate treatment. These disorders have specific
Disorder (ADHD)
Children with conduct disorder exhibit behavior that
diagnostic criteria and treatments, and a complete
shows a persistent disregard for the norms and rules
evaluation by a mental health provider can determine
The main features of ADHD include hyperactivity,
of society. Conduct disorder is one of the most
whether a child needs help. Some of the mental
impulsiveness, and an inability to sustain attention or
frequently seen mental disorders in adolescents.
disorders commonly seen in children are depression,
concentration. These symptoms occur at levels that
ADHD, and conduct disorder.
cause significant distress and impairment and are far
more severe than typically found in children of similar
Because the symptoms are closely tied to socially
ages and developmental levels. More common in boys
unacceptable or violent behavior, many people confuse
Depression
than in girls, this disorder often develops before age
this illness with either juvenile delinquency or the
seven, but is usually diagnosed between ages eight
turmoil of the teen years. However, young people with
As many as one in 10 children between ages six and 12
and 10.
conduct disorder often have underlying problems that
experience persistent feelings of sadness—the hallmark
Children with ADHD:
have been missed or ignored, such as attention deficit
of depression. Since children may not be able to
disorder, depression, epilepsy or a history of head and
express or understand many of the core symptoms that
Have difficulty finishing any activity that requires
facial injuries. Children who have demonstrated at
would indicate depression in adults, parents should be
concentration
least three of the following behaviors over six months
aware of some key behaviors—in addition to changes
Don’t seem to listen to anything said to them
should be evaluated for possible conduct disorder:
in eating or sleeping patterns—that may signal
Are excessively active—running or climbing at
Stealing
depression in children:
inappropriate times, squirming in or jumping out of
Constantly lying
A sudden drop in school performance
their seats
Deliberately setting fires
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Are very easily distracted
Skipping school
Outbursts of shouting, complaining, unexplained
Talk incessantly, often blurting out responses before
irritability, or crying
questions are finished
Breaking into homes, offices, or cars
Thoughts of death or suicide
Have serious difficulty waiting their turn in games or groups
Deliberately destroying others’ property
Expressions of fear or anxiety
May have specific learning disabilities
Displaying physical cruelty to animals or humans
Aggression, refusal to cooperate, antisocial behavior
Forcing others into sexual activity
Use of alcohol or other drugs
Often starting fights
Treatment can include the use of medications,
Constant complaints of aching arms, legs, or stomach
Using weapons in fights
psychotherapy and special educational programs to
with no apparent cause
help a child keep up academically. Between 70% and
80% of children with ADHD respond to medications,
Appropriate treatment for conduct disorder is
which allow them a chance to improve their attention
Treatment is essential for children struggling with
essential. Aimed at helping young people realize and
span, perform tasks better, and control impulsive
depression so that they can be free to develop
understand the effect their behavior has on others,
behavior. Psychotherapy enables children to cope with
necessary academic and social skills. Treatment
treatment includes behavior therapy and
their disorder and the reaction of others to it. An
involves psychotherapy either alone or in combination
psychotherapy, in either individual or group sessions.
essential component of psychotherapy involves the
with medication. During psychotherapy, children learn
For youngsters who have depression or ADHD, in
work of the child psychiatrist with both the child and
to express their feelings and to develop ways of coping
addition to conduct disorder, use of medications as
the parents to develop techniques for behavior
with their illness. Some children also respond to
well as psychotherapy can lessen the symptoms of
management.
antidepressant medications, but use of these
conduct disorder.
medications must be closely monitored. Psychiatric
medication should not be the only form of treatment,
but should be part of a comprehensive program.
Child Disorders 4/20/05 1:56 PM Page 4
Arlington,
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LET’S
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0
TALK
Common Childhood
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Wilson Blvd., Suite 1
FACTS
ABOUT
Disorders
V
A
22209-390
Resources
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825
For more information, please contact:
American Psychiatric
National Alliance for the
Association (APA)
Mentally Ill (NAMI)
1000 Wilson Blvd.
Colonial Place Three
Suite 1825
2107 Wilson Blvd.,
Arlington, VA 22209
Suite 300
703-907-7300
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
www.healthyminds.org
703-524-7600
Information Helpline:
American Academy of Child
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
and Adolescent Psychiatry
www.nami.org
(AACAP)
3615 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.,
Children and Adults with
Washington, DC 20016-3007
Attention-Deficit/
202-966-7300
Hyperactivity Disorder
www.aacap.org
(CHADD )
National Resource Center
National Mental Health
on AD/HD
Association (NMHA)
8181 Professional Place,
2001 N. Beauregard Street,
Suite 150,
12th Floor
Landover, MD 20785
Alexandria, VA 22311
800-233-4050
800-969-NMHA (6642)
www.chadd.org
www.nmha.org
Healthy Minds.
Healthy Lives.
One in a series of brochures designed to reduce stigmas associated with
mental illnesses by promoting informed factual discussion of the
disorders and their psychiatric treatments. This brochure was developed
for educational purposes and does not necessarily reflect opinion or
policy of the American Psychiatric Association. For more information,
please visit www.healthyminds.org.
© Copyright 2005 American Psychiatric Association
www.healthyminds.org
