Some mental illnesses, such as depression, can occur in young children too young to effectively communicate their pain. Another form of mental illness that appears in childhood or adolescence is severe emotional or behavior disorder. As many as one in five Missouri children may have an emotional or behavior disorder, ranging from barely noticeable to disruptive to their education, development, and family life. Thought to be 10 times more common in boys than girls, this disorder often develops before the age of seven but is most often diagnosed when the child is between the ages of 8 and 10. The causes of mental illness are varied, but most are caused by imbalances in the brain's chemistry, by a head injury, or by emotional trauma.
Some mental illnesses are more prevalent in some families, suggesting a hereditary link.
Mental illnesses are not punishment for sins, or sign of weak character, or immorality. Warning Signs Parents and educators are the most likely to detect a mental illness or emotional disorder because of their consistent contact with a child. In other words, a fear that causes them to act in an irrational or dangerous manner. The first step is to determine what is causing a youngster's unusual behavior. There are many possible causes, including physical problems.