Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. This lack of responsiveness may be accompanied by an inability to communicate, and by a persistent failure to develop two-way social relationships in any situation. Highs may alternate with lows, or the person may feel both extremes at close to the same time. Professionals also refer to manic-depressive illness as bipolar mood disorder. Children and teenagers also may have depression.
Depression is defined as an illness when the depressive condition persists.
In addition, two psychiatric eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia, are on the increase among teenage girls and young women. Unlike a child with a temporary sickness such as the flu, the child with a chronic illness must cope with knowing that the disease is here to stay and may even get worse. There are many reasons for school failure, but a common one is a specific learning disability. These areas may include emotions, social or intellectual ability, or the use of language. Children with major psychiatric disorders may also have physical problems or may also be mentally retarded.