Adolescent Mental Health Overview

Many adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with their normal development and daily life activities. Some mental health problems are mild, while others are more severe. Some mental health problems last for only short periods of time, while others, potentially, last a lifetime. The National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, reports the following:

• Research studies have reported that up to about 5 percent of children and up to 15 percent of adolescents in the U.S. suffer from symptoms of depressive disorders.

• Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems that occur in children and adolescents.

• Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are common among adolescent and young women in the U.S.

It's important to know that help is available. Most adolescents who experience mental health problems can return to normal daily lives, if they receive appropriate treatment.