What Age Can a Child Be Tested for Emotional or Mental Problems

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, chronic mental illnesses begins by the age of 14 in about half of all cases. Some types of mental health issues can be diagnosed as early as age 2 and most others can be diagnosed by the age of 6.

Types

• Mental disorders that may be diagnosed in children include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

Symptoms

• Mental health symptoms that may warrant concern include extreme appetite changes, sleeping problems, relapse in bed-wetting, prolonged sadness, self-injurious behavior, preoccupation with death, avoidance of social situations and fear about things that previously did not bother the child. These behaviors should occur in different settings such as at home or at school.

Diagnosis

• Mental health concerns may first be discussed with a pediatrician. More in-depth evaluations with a pediatric psychologist or psychiatrist may be needed. The age at which a mental health illness can be diagnosed depends upon the what type of disorder is being evaluated. Autism may be diagnosed as early as age 2 in some cases. ADHD is sometimes diagnosed as early as age 3 and other conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety may be diagnosed as early as age 6. Eating disorders rarely affect young children and are more often seen in adolescents and teenagers.

Treatment

• A combination of treatments may be needed. Treatments may involve psychotropic medications, talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy.

Prevention/Solution

• The National Institute of Mental Health asserts that the early identification of mental health issues may help to more effectively treat mental health conditions before the child's behaviors become habitual and more difficult to change.