Understanding the wide range of mental health conditions that can affect children and young people is essential for early intervention, effective treatment, and compassionate support. For CAMHS professionals, teachers, parents, and carers, knowing the signs and available support options can make a significant difference in a young person’s recovery journey.
This guide – adapted from resources by Mind – outlines some of the most common mental health conditions in children and adolescents, with explanations of what they are, possible causes, and how to access support.
Common Children’s Mental Health Conditions
Anger – Understanding anger and how to manage it in healthy, constructive ways.
Anxiety and panic attacks – What anxiety and panic attacks are, their causes, and treatments. Includes self-help strategies and support guidance.
Bipolar disorder – An overview of bipolar disorder in young people, available treatments, and coping strategies.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) – Causes, treatment options, and tips for managing BDD.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – What BPD is, living with the diagnosis, self-care, treatment, and family support.
Depression – Causes, treatments, and practical advice for coping with depression in children and teens.
Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders – Understanding dissociation, potential causes, and support pathways.
Drugs & Alcohol – The mental health effects of recreational drugs and alcohol, especially for young people.
Eating problems – From anorexia to binge eating, an overview of causes, treatments, and family support.
Hearing voices – Understanding auditory hallucinations and where to access support.
Hoarding – Causes of hoarding behaviours and guidance on treatment.
Hypomania and Mania – Recognising symptoms, understanding causes, and accessing support.
Loneliness – Practical advice and support for children and young people experiencing loneliness.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – What OCD is, treatment options, and coping tips.
Panic attacks – Understanding panic attacks and how to manage them.
Paranoia – Causes, symptoms, and treatment pathways.
Personality disorders – An overview of personality disorders and how they may affect young people.
Phobias – Understanding phobias, causes, and treatment options.
Postnatal Depression & Perinatal Mental Health – Supporting young mothers and families affected by perinatal mental health conditions.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Causes, symptoms, and treatment options for PTSD and complex PTSD.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – Diagnosis, treatment, and coping strategies.
Psychosis – Causes, treatment, and support for psychosis in young people.
Schizoaffective Disorder – Symptoms, treatment, and guidance for families.
Schizophrenia – Understanding schizophrenia, causes, treatment, and recovery pathways.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – What SAD is, its causes, and treatment options.
Self-esteem – Practical steps to build self-esteem in children and young people.
Self-harm – Understanding self-harm, its causes, and how to support recovery.
Sleep problems – Coping strategies for insomnia and other sleep difficulties.
Stress – Causes of stress in young people and ways to manage it.
Suicidal feelings – Understanding suicidal thoughts, causes, and urgent support options.
Tardive Dyskinesia – What it is, its causes, and how to manage symptoms.
Trauma – The impact of trauma on children and how to provide support and treatment.
Why this matters for CAMHS professionals
For those working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), recognising these conditions early can make a life-changing difference. By raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and ensuring access to the right support, we can help children and young people build resilience and thrive.
👉 You can explore the full resource here: Mind – Mental Health Conditions A–Z
