Child and Teen Mental Health Conditions and Disorders
A supportive, parent-friendly guide to the emotional, behavioural, and developmental concerns children and teenagers face, the signs to look for, and how to find the right help.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Qurratulain, Consultant Psychiatrist & Chief Medical Officer, SehatYab
•Last reviewed 12 August 2026
Children and teens can experience concerns including anxiety, low mood, behavioural difficulties, ADHD, autism, learning difficulties, and more. Children often show distress through behaviour, mood, sleep, or school rather than words. Early understanding and support help children thrive, and a professional assessment gives clarity. You do not need to be certain before reaching out.
- Children often show difficulty through behaviour, mood, sleep, or school, not words.
- Noticing early and seeking guidance helps children thrive.
- The goal is understanding and support, not labelling your child.
- A professional assessment gives clarity and a plan.
- SehatYab has clinicians experienced with children and teens, online and in Urdu or English.
Children and teenagers experience emotional and developmental challenges just as adults do, though they often express them differently. Trusting your instincts as a parent matters. If something feels off, a professional can help you understand what is going on and what, if anything, is needed. The concerns below are grouped by type. Recognising more than one is common, and support is always tailored to your individual child.
Browse child & teen mental health conditions
Search by name or filter by category to find signs, definitions, and how support works.
ADHD in children
Ongoing patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that are beyond what is typical for the age and affect daily life.
- Easily distracted or unable to finish tasks
- Constant movement or difficulty sitting still
- Acting without thinking or interrupting
- Difficulty following instructions
- Patterns present across home and school
Autism spectrum
A difference in how a child communicates, relates to others, and experiences the world. Every autistic child is unique.
- Differences in eye contact or social interaction
- Delayed speech or unusual language patterns
- Repetitive movements or strong routines
- Intense focus on specific interests
- Sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures
Learning difficulties
Specific difficulties with reading, writing, or maths that do not match a child's overall ability.
- Struggling with reading, spelling, or numbers despite effort
- Avoiding schoolwork
- Frustration or low confidence about learning
Developmental and speech delays
When a child reaches milestones such as speech noticeably later than expected.
- Speaking much later than peers
- Difficulty being understood
- Delays in other developmental areas
Childhood anxiety
Excessive worry or fearfulness that is beyond what is expected for the age and affects daily life.
- Frequent worrying or fearfulness
- Physical complaints like stomach aches before school
- Avoiding situations or seeking constant reassurance
- Difficulty sleeping
Separation anxiety
Intense distress when apart from a parent or caregiver, beyond the usual age-appropriate level.
- Extreme distress at separation
- Clinginess or refusal to be alone
- Worry about harm coming to caregivers
School refusal
Persistent difficulty attending school driven by anxiety or distress.
- Repeated reluctance or refusal to go to school
- Physical symptoms on school mornings
- Distress that eases when allowed to stay home
Low mood and depression in teens
Persistent sadness, irritability, or loss of interest in a teenager, more than ordinary moodiness.
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Irritability or persistent sadness
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Drop in school performance
Oppositional and defiant behaviour
A pattern of frequent defiance, arguing, or hostility beyond typical childhood testing of limits.
- Frequent temper outbursts
- Arguing with or defying adults
- Deliberately annoying others or blaming others
- Ongoing tension at home or school
Anger and aggression
Frequent or intense anger and aggressive behaviour that affects relationships or school.
- Frequent physical or verbal aggression
- Difficulty calming down
- Trouble with peers or teachers
Conduct difficulties
A more serious, persistent pattern of behaviour that violates rules or the rights of others.
- Repeated rule-breaking
- Aggression toward people or animals
- Serious defiance over time
Bedwetting (enuresis)
Involuntary wetting during sleep beyond the age it is usually outgrown.
- Regular night-time wetting
- Distress or embarrassment about it
Tics
Sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that a child finds hard to control.
- Repeated blinking, shrugging, or throat-clearing
- Movements that increase with stress
Selective mutism
A child speaks comfortably in some settings but is consistently unable to speak in others, such as school.
- Speaking at home but not at school
- Freezing or withdrawing when expected to speak
Sleep problems in children
Ongoing difficulty settling or staying asleep that affects the child and family.
- Resisting bedtime or frequent waking
- Nightmares or night-time fears
- Daytime tiredness or irritability
Exam and academic stress
Overwhelming pressure around studies, exams, or expectations.
- Excessive worry about performance
- Physical symptoms before exams
- Loss of confidence or motivation
Confidence and self-esteem
Low self-worth, fear of failure, or difficulty with friendships and social situations.
- Negative self-talk or fear of trying
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Reluctance to join in
Self-harm and thoughts of self-harm in teens
Some teenagers may hurt themselves or have thoughts of self-harm when overwhelmed. This needs compassionate, prompt support.
- Withdrawal, secrecy, or unexplained marks
- Expressions of hopelessness
- Talking about not wanting to be here
If your teen has thoughts of self-harm or is at risk, seek help urgently and contact local emergency services if there is immediate danger. Take any mention of self-harm seriously and stay close.
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Who helps with what
A quick guide to the type of professional who commonly supports each concern. If you are unsure, our team can guide you, and clinicians refer between psychology and psychiatry so your care stays joined up.
| Concern | Who typically helps |
|---|---|
| ADHD in children | Child psychologist or psychiatrist |
| Autism spectrum | Child psychologist or psychiatrist |
| Learning difficulties | Child psychologist |
| Developmental and speech delays | Child psychologist or psychiatrist |
| Childhood anxiety | Child psychologist |
| Separation anxiety | Child psychologist |
| School refusal | Child psychologist |
| Low mood and depression in teens | Child psychologist or psychiatrist |
| Oppositional and defiant behaviour | Child psychologist |
| Anger and aggression | Child psychologist |
| Conduct difficulties | Child psychologist or psychiatrist |
| Bedwetting (enuresis) | Child psychologist or paediatric input |
| Tics | Child psychologist or psychiatrist |
| Selective mutism | Child psychologist |
| Sleep problems in children | Child psychologist |
| Exam and academic stress | Child psychologist or counselor |
| Confidence and self-esteem | Child psychologist or counselor |
| Self-harm and thoughts of self-harm in teens | Child psychologist or psychiatrist |
When to seek urgent help
Most concerns can wait for a planned appointment, but some situations need immediate attention. Seek urgent help right away if you or someone close to you experiences thoughts of self-harm, is unable to stay safe, shows a sudden and severe inability to function, or appears to lose touch with reality.
How SehatYab helps
SehatYab is a registered online clinic operating since 2016, with a 4.8 rating from more than 500 reviews on Google. We offer private, confidential, and discreet consultations with PMDC-licensed psychiatrists and verified qualified clinical psychologists, by video, audio, or text chat, in Urdu or English. A psychiatrist can provide assessment and medication guidance, if clinically appropriate, while a psychologist offers therapy and counseling. If you are unsure who to see, our team can guide you.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Qurratulain
Consultant Psychiatrist & Chief Medical Officer, SehatYab
Qualifications: MBBS (AMC-NUST), FCPS Gold Medalist (Psychiatry), OJT Child and Adolescent Mental Health (UK), Certified ADOS Administrator (Sunfield Centre USA), Specialist Psychiatrist (DOH, UAE)
This page was reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. Qurratulain, who leads clinical governance at SehatYab. It is intended for general information and awareness, and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for individual professional advice. View profile.
Last reviewed: 12 August 2026 • Next review due: August 2027
Frequently asked questions
If changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, or school last for several weeks and affect daily life, it is worth speaking to a professional. You do not need to be certain something is wrong; a clinician can help you understand what is going on.
No. The goal is understanding and support, not labels. An assessment provides clarity so your child receives the right help. Many concerns are addressed with guidance and support rather than a formal diagnosis.
No. Conditions like ADHD and autism are not caused by parenting. Seeking support is one of the most caring things a parent can do, and parent guidance is often a helpful part of the plan.
Yes. Initial discussions and guidance take place online, and a clinician will advise on next steps and any referral. Many families find online sessions less stressful for children.
Trust your instincts at any age. Some signs, such as differences in speech, eye contact, or response to name, can appear early. A professional assessment provides clarity whenever you have concerns.
Yes. SehatYab has clinicians experienced in working with children and teens, including child-focused psychologists and psychiatrists.
Yes. Clinicians experienced with children use age-appropriate, gentle approaches and do not force a child to speak before they are ready. Parent guidance also helps.
In most cases, an honest, reassuring, age-appropriate explanation helps. A clinician can guide you on how to talk to your child about it.
No. Many children are supported with behavioural strategies, structure, and parent guidance. Where medication may help, a specialist assesses and advises carefully.
Yes. Many families come for support with confidence, friendships, exam stress, and emotional skills, not only diagnosed conditions.
Sessions are available in Urdu and English, so your child can express themselves comfortably.
Yes. Sessions are private and confidential. A clinician will explain how they work with both you and your child appropriately for their age.
It varies by child and concern. Some benefit from a few sessions; others need longer support. Your clinician will discuss a plan with you and review it regularly.
Take it seriously, stay close, listen without judgment, and seek professional support promptly. If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
Book a consultation with a child specialist or message Customer Support on WhatsApp, and we will help you find the right clinician for your child.
Sources
- World Health Organization, Mental health, who.int
- American Psychiatric Association, psychiatry.org
- American Psychological Association, apa.org
- NHS, Mental health conditions, nhs.uk