Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Overview
Mental health is an important part of overall health for children as well as adults. For many adults who have mental disorders, symptoms were present—but often not recognized or addressed—in childhood and adolescence. For a young person with symptoms of a mental disorder, the earlier treatment is started, the more effective it can be. Early treatment can help prevent more severe, lasting problems as a child grows up.
Latest News
- National Contest Encourages High School Students to Write Short Essays Exploring Mental Health
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• Institute Update
The National Institutes of Health invites students ages 16 to 18 years old to participate in the “2022 Speaking Up About Mental Health!” essay contest.
- Persistent, Distressing Psychotic-like Experiences Associated with Impairment in Youth
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• Press Release
In this NIMH-funded study, researchers examined the association between distressing and persistent psychotic-like experiences in youth and important risk factors for psychopathology.
- Media Advisory: Prototype App for Mobile Devices Could Screen Children at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder
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• Media Advisory
A mobile app was successful at distinguishing toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from typically developing toddlers based on their eye movements while watching videos, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health.



Featured Videos
NIMH Deputy Director Dr. Shelli Avenevoli Discusses the Youth Mental Health Crisis
Learn about youth suicide, the effects of technology and the pandemic on the developing brain, and tips for supporting the mental health of youth.
Mental Health Minute: Stress and Anxiety in Adolescents
Got 60 seconds? Take a mental health minute to learn about stress and anxiety in adolescents.
Mental Health Minute: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Got 60 seconds? Take a mental health minute to learn about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.