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Adolescent Mental Health

Like adults, children and adolescents can have mental health disorders that interfere with the way they think, feel, and act.

Adolescence can be a difficult time for young people and their parents. Many adolescents experience changes in behaviors and feelings as they struggle to become more independent and develop a sense of individual identity. However, a number of adolescents experience mental health problems that interfere with their normal development and daily life activities. When untreated, mental health disorders can lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence, and even suicide.

Some mental health problems are mild, while others are more severe. Some last for only short periods of time, while others, potentially, last a lifetime.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reports the following:

It is important to know that help is available. Some mental health problems affecting adolescents require the clinical care of a physician or other healthcare professional. Most adolescents who experience mental health problems return to normal daily lives if they receive appropriate treatment.

Sources:

  • National Institute of Mental Health

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2022, January 11). Adolescent Mental Health, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, November 2 from https://www.healthyplace.com/parenting/child-mental-health/adolescent-mental-health

Last Updated: January 17, 2022

Medically reviewed by Harry Croft, MD

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