Psychiatry Resources for Children, Adolescents, and Adults
ADHD & Executive Functioning
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect attention, activity level, impulse control, organization, and daily functioning.
Common symptoms
- Difficulty sustaining attention or following instructions
- Forgetfulness, distractibility, or losing belongings
- Impulsivity, restlessness, or excessive activity
- Difficulty planning, organizing, or completing tasks
Trusted resources
CHADD: ADHD Toolkit for Parents →
CHADD: ADHD and School →
AACAP: Child Psychiatry Resources →
Depression & Emotional Health
Depression in young people may appear as sadness, irritability, withdrawal, or changes in school performance and everyday functioning.
Common symptoms
- Persistent sadness, irritability, or low mood
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, or feelings of worthlessness
Trusted resources
AACAP: Family Resource Centers →
NIMH: Depression →
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
DMDD is characterized by severe, recurrent temper outbursts and persistent irritability that are more intense or frequent than expected for a child's developmental level.
Common symptoms
- Severe temper outbursts that occur repeatedly
- Persistent irritability or anger between outbursts
- Difficulty managing frustration
- Significant difficulties at home, school, or with peers
Trusted resources
NIMH: DMDD Information →
AACAP: Emotional Dysregulation →
Adult ADHD & Executive Functioning
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can continue into adulthood and affect organization, time management, work, relationships, and everyday responsibilities.
Common symptoms and challenges
- Difficulty sustaining attention or finishing tasks
- Disorganization, forgetfulness, or poor time management
- Procrastination and difficulty prioritizing responsibilities
- Restlessness, impulsivity, or difficulty waiting
- Challenges managing work, household tasks, or appointments
Trusted educational resources
CHADD: Adult ADHD Overview →
CHADD: Treatment for Adult ADHD →
NIMH: ADHD in Adults →
CDC: ADHD in Adults →
Depression
Depression can affect mood, motivation, energy, sleep, concentration, relationships, and the ability to manage everyday responsibilities.
Common symptoms
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability
- Reduced interest or pleasure in activities
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Difficulty concentrating, hopelessness, or guilt
Trusted resources
APA: Depression Resources →
NIMH: Depression →
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Resources
Autism & Neurodevelopment
Autism and other neurodevelopmental differences can influence communication, social interaction, sensory experiences, routines, and everyday activities.
Common characteristics
- Differences in social communication or interaction
- Repetitive behaviors or highly focused interests
- Sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors
- Difficulty adapting to unexpected changes
Trusted resources
AACAP: Family Resource Centers →
CDC: Autism Information →
NIMH: Autism Spectrum Disorder →
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves unwanted, distressing thoughts or urges and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that can interfere with daily routines and relationships.
Common symptoms
- Intrusive or unwanted thoughts
- Repeated checking, washing, counting, or arranging
- Excessive reassurance seeking
- Distress when rituals cannot be completed
Trusted resources
AACAP: OCD Resource Center →
International OCD Foundation →
Autism in Adults
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can influence social communication, sensory experiences, routines, interests, and everyday life. Some adults explore an autism evaluation later in life after recognizing longstanding patterns.
Common characteristics
- Differences in social communication or interpreting social cues
- Preference for predictability, routines, or advance planning
- Highly focused interests or repetitive behaviors
- Sensory sensitivities to sound, light, touch, or other stimuli
- Differences in navigating relationships, work, or social situations
Trusted educational resources
NIMH: Autism Spectrum Disorder →
Autism Speaks: Resources for Autistic Adults →
Autism Society: Information and Support →
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can involve persistent worry, fear, or physical symptoms that interfere with work, relationships, sleep, and everyday activities.
Common symptoms
- Excessive worry or difficulty controlling worry
- Restlessness, tension, or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Panic symptoms, avoidance, or physical discomfort
Trusted resources
APA: Anxiety Disorders →
NIMH: Anxiety Disorders →
Anxiety & Depression Association of America →
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can affect a young person's school participation, friendships, sleep, family life, and ability to manage everyday challenges.
Common symptoms
- Excessive worry, fear, or reassurance seeking
- School avoidance or separation difficulties
- Physical complaints such as stomachaches or headaches
- Sleep difficulties, tension, or avoidance of activities
Trusted resources
AACAP: Anxiety Disorders Resource Center →
NIMH: Anxiety Disorders →
Temper Tantrums & Emotional Regulation
Occasional outbursts can be part of development. Frequent, intense, or impairing outbursts may warrant further assessment to understand contributing factors.
Signs of difficulty
- Frequent or prolonged temper outbursts
- Difficulty recovering after frustration
- Intense reactions to transitions or unexpected changes
- Behavior that disrupts home, school, or relationships
Trusted resources
AACAP: Emotional Dysregulation Resource Center →
NIMH: Child and Adolescent Mental Health →
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can affect physical health, emotional well-being, growth, and daily functioning. Early recognition and coordinated care are important.
Potential warning signs
- Restricting food or avoiding increasing numbers of foods
- Intense concerns about weight, shape, or eating
- Secretive eating or compensatory behaviors
- Changes in weight, energy, mood, or social eating
Trusted resources
AACAP: Family Resource Centers →
NIMH: Eating Disorders →
National Eating Disorders Association →
Adult Psychiatry Resources
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves obsessions, compulsions, or both. These symptoms can consume time, cause distress, and interfere with work, relationships, and daily life.
Common symptoms
- Unwanted, intrusive, or distressing thoughts
- Repeated checking, washing, counting, or arranging
- Internal rituals or repeated mental reviewing
- Significant distress or disruption from compulsions
Trusted resources
APA: OCD Resources →
International OCD Foundation →
NIMH: OCD Information →
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania. Symptoms and their impact can vary between individuals.
Potential symptoms
- Distinct periods of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
- Reduced need for sleep or increased energy
- Racing thoughts, rapid speech, or increased activity
- Episodes of depression, low energy, or loss of interest
Trusted resources
APA: Bipolar Disorder Resources →
NIMH: Bipolar Disorder →