Something even Republicans or Democrats can agree on is that we are living in stressful times. Even when war is not happening in our country all are exposed to a constant discussion about a war with Iran and about all its consequences. Even before this upheaval there has been increasing concern about the mental health of American children and teens.
Mental health is a key part of human health. Just like we are learning how the body’s organ’s function and the role that genes and neurotransmitters and biochemistry play in their function, we are learning how the brain works with similar genes, etc. They are part of the whole. When the brain is stressed, the body is stressed.
Healthychildren.org says that mental health problems can range from non-serious behavioral issues to serious conditions needing urgent help. Approximately 1 in 5 children experience mental, emotional or behavioral difficulties at any given time. Nearly 40% of US teens may have a mental health diagnosis. Unfortunately, a large percentage do not receive treatment.
Common diagnoses in children and teens include anxiety, depression, ADHD and disruptive behavioral issues such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Suicide and self-harm continue to threaten and even end young lives.
Many different stressful factors can harm the mental health of children/teens. Stress factors such as trauma, witnessing violence, being separated from loved ones, abuse, bullying. Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities are at higher risk for mental health problems, including suicide.
Open family conversations associated with regular, frequent standardized screening during health care visits, can identify mental, emotional or behavioral concerns. Finding these issues early can make a large difference for a child, even in toddlers and preschoolers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mental health screening starting at 6 months, then 12 month and annually at well-child visits. These screenings promote healthy mental development and can diagnose problems early.
Unfortunately, with mental health diagnoses there is typically a 2-to-4-year window between a child’s first symptoms and when a full disorder develops. Most U.S. children don’t receive care in a timely way after they first appear. Mental health care providers are poorly funded by payers such as Medicaid and other insurers.
As there are hundreds, if not thousands, possible causes for mental health problems, there is no one-size -fits- all treatment. Careful screening and diagnosis should be followed by consulting appropriate mental health specialists to join the family and pediatrician in a treatment team. Interestingly, part of that team may be a geneticist.
Stress is associated with mental health problems and there has been a notable increase in children/teens with mental health difficulties in the last decade. If parents notice mood swings, irritability, anger, changes in sleep or eating patterns, academic struggles or any other change in behavior that worries them, it is important to mention this to their primary caregiver. Mental health problems are not something to be ashamed of as they are most likely a metabolic problem. Early diagnosis can be helpful is getting appropriate therapy and medication.
By Sally Robinson MD
University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Published March 2026