Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Overview
Teen Depression Study: Understanding Depression in Teenagers
Join a Research Study: Enrolling nationally from around the country
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
- Study Identifies Risk Factors for Elevated Anxiety in Young Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic
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• Press Release
A new study has identified early risk factors that predicted heightened anxiety in young adults during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Adaptive Screener May Help Identify Youth at Risk of Suicide
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• Press Release
In a study supported by NIMH, researchers have developed a computerized adaptive screener that can help identify youth at risk for attempting suicide.
- Outdoor Light Linked with Teens’ Sleep and Mental Health
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• Press Release
A large-scale study of U.S. teens shows associations between outdoor, artificial light at night and health outcomes.



Featured Videos

Discover NIMH: Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents
It can be challenging to diagnose mental disorders in children and adolescents. NIMH actively supports research focused on the relationship between behavioral and emotional changes and the brain.

Irritability in Children – Dr. Ellen Leibenluft
Dr. Ellen Leibenluft of the Emotion and Development Branch in NIMH’s Intramural Research Program discusses research on irritability in children.

Teen Depression Study
NIMH conducts research studies to understand the causes of depression, the teen brain, and to evaluate new treatments.