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Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. However, parents should not discount a child's fears. Because anxious children may also be quiet, compliant and eager to please, their difficulties may be missed.
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Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition which includes difficulties with attention, increased activity, and difficulties with impulsivity. Estimates show that between 3 and 7 percent of school-aged children and about 4 percent of adults have ADHD.
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Autism spectrum disorders affect as many as 1 in 150 American children. Types of autism include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger's syndrome. The cause of autism is not known.
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Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes severe or unusual shifts in mood, energy level, thinking, and behavior. People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania where they have overly happy or extremely irritable moods and increases in energy.
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Bullying is a common experience for many children and adolescents. Surveys indicate that as many as half of all children are bullied at some time during their school years, and at least 10% are bullied on a regular basis.
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Child abuse and violence affect millions of children each year. Child abuse includes physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect. Interpersonal violence is violence between people and includes community violence, partner violence (also called "domestic violence"), and bullying.
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The effects of climate change, including higher global temperatures, rising sea levels, and increased frequency and severity of extreme weather are causing problems for human health.
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Conduct disorder is a serious behavioral and emotional disorder that can occur in children and teens. A child with this disorder may display a pattern of disruptive and violent behavior and have problems following rules.
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Childhood depression is different from the normal "blues" and everyday emotions that occur as a child develops. Just because a child seems sad, this does not necessarily mean he or she has significant depression. If the sadness becomes persistent, or if disruptive behavior that interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life develops, it may indicate that he or she has a depressive illness.
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A child who has been exposed to a disaster may have been an eye-witness to a disaster. He or she might have been hurt or had a family member who was hurt or killed. Children are also exposed to disasters through TV, media, word-of-mouth, or a mixture of these.
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Global conflict and unrest have led to the deployment of large numbers of military personnel (active duty, Reserves, National Guard). As a result of duty assignments, members of the military are often separated from their families for lengthy periods of time. A family that loses the active presence of a parent through separation faces significant challenges and stress.
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Young people moving from adolescence into young adulthood are defined as transitional age youth. New tasks often include: moving away from family, becoming independent, developing one's identity, and learning to handle more complex relationships. For this age group, handling these tasks while adjusting to the start of college and/or moving into the working world can be challenging.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is seen in as many as 1-3% of children and adolescents. OCD is characterized by recurrent intense obsessions and/or compulsions that cause severe distress and interfere with day-to-day functioning.
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It's not unusual for children, especially those in their "terrible twos" and early teens, to defy authority every now and then. When this behavior lasts longer than six months and is excessive compared to what is usual for the child's age, it may mean that the child has a type of behavior disorder called oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
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Many children lose their temper or become frustrated and upset. Learning how to regulate emotions is a normal part of growing up. Some children and adolescents have outbursts that are impairing and extreme.
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Physically ill youth and their families face many challenges. Physical illness and its care can impair the child's development, feelings, behaviors, learning, and everyday life routines.
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Schools significantly impact the lives of children. Ninety-five percent of American youth are currently enrolled in school where they have direct contact with staff and peers at least six hours a day. These are the most critical years for social, physical and intellectual development. All children deserve to have positive and helpful experiences that nurture that development.
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Youth spend more waking hours with screen media than in any other activity, even school. On average, children spend 4 hours a day watching or using screens, and teens even more so.
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Use and abuse of drugs and alcohol by teens is a common occurrence and can have serious consequences. Substance abuse can have lasting effects on adolescents and contributes to personal distress, poor school performance, short and long term health problems, relationship difficulties and involvement in antisocial activities.
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Suicide is a serious and growing problem among children and adolescents. Each year, thousands of young people die by suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10-to-24-year-olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for 5-to-14-year-olds.
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