What Should Parents
Know About
Childhood Behavioral Concerns?

Each child is unique. It can be difficult to tell if your little one’s behavior is part of development or if there is cause for concern. As a parent, you play a critical role in determining whether your child needs additional support. If you can recognize the signs of certain behavioral or mental health conditions, you will know when to seek help.

Depression and Children

That’s right: a child can also experience depression—not the usual transient feelings of sadness or bad moods. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), “as many as one in 20 children and adolescents is depressed.” 

Depression in children is more common than many might think. There is also a biological factor to depression meaning that if someone in your family has depression other family members might be more likely to develop symptoms. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of depression so that you can intervene sooner rather than later. Depression is treatable though it will rarely improve on its own. 

Symptoms of depression can include:

  • Irritability or anger
  • Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness
  • Social withdrawal
  • Increased sensitivity to rejection
  • Appetite changes
  • Changes in sleep—sleeplessness or excessive sleep
  • Vocal outbursts or crying
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Physical complaints (such as stomachaches, headaches) that don’t respond to treatment
  • Difficulties at home or with friends, in school, at extracurricular activities, and in other hobbies or interests
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Impaired thinking or concentration
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Anxiety in Children

Anxiety and Depression of America says that “anxiety is a normal part of childhood, and every child goes through phases. A phase is temporary and usually harmless. But children who suffer from an anxiety disorder experience fear, nervousness, and shyness, and they start to avoid places and activities.” Anxiety is an intrinsic human response that serves a critical biological function when there is apparent danger. The response is characterized by physical and psychological “fight or flight”, which may include racing heartbeat, labored breathing, dizziness, shaky or clammy hands and feet, and difficulty focusing. While these reactions are helpful in situations of real danger, your child’s health and development can suffer if an anxiety disorder has developed. 

National Health Services UK lists the following symptoms of anxiety that may appear in children:

  • Lack the confidence to try new things or seem unable to face simple, everyday challenges
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Have problems with sleeping or eating
  • Are prone to angry outbursts
  • Chronic negative thoughts or excessive worry that bad things are going to happen
  • Avoiding everyday activities, such as seeing friends, going out in public, or attending school

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD

ADHD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), is a behavioral condition that is “marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with (the) functioning or development.” It is an important concern that affects about 10 percent of children. It can stand in the way of learning, which is why it is usually diagnosed when a child enters school, though it can affect them even at a younger age.

Children with ADHD are generally and noticeably inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive. These behavioral characteristics can put them in frequent trouble and make their life (and parenting them) more challenging. While inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD, they are also common in most children, especially when excited. It is important to reach out to a licensed professional for a full assessment if you are concerned that your child may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD. 

The Good News

Most of these conditions respond well to treatment, even when they are more complicated. However, because children are often unable to express their feelings effectively, helping a child can be more difficult. A skilled child therapist can complete an assessment and make effective recommendations to help your child feel better. 

Carolina Counseling Services in Fuquay-Varina contracts with skilled licensed therapists who know how to treat childhood mental health conditions. Call CCS today to get started!

Related Articles: