# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
At JPS Health Network, our mission is to support better and healthier lives. We have a vision to be the trusted healthcare leader for our community, advancing health through clinical care, innovation and education. JPS Health Network is dedicated to providing a full continuum of behavioral health services, including inpatient services at Trinity Springs Pavilion, emergency behavioral health services at our Psychiatric Emergency Center, and outpatient services at our JPS outpatient clinics. To learn more about these services, please visit the links on the left-hand side of this page.

To contact Behavioral Health, please call us at 817-702-3100 or email us at psychinfo@jpshealth.org.

Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinics

Behavioral Health Services

Acute Inpatient Care

Adolescent Inpatient Care

Local Commitment Alternative Services

Outpatient Behavioral Health Services

Peer and Family Services

Psychiatric Emergency Center

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At JPS Health Network, our mission is to support better and healthier lives. We have a vision to be the trusted healthcare leader for our community, advancing health through clinical care, innovation and education.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Introduction to anxiety and anxiety child anxiety disorders

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
4 Signs of Eating Disorders in Children and Teens You Might Not Recognize

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mental Health Facility in Fort Worth, Texas | Mesa Springs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mesa Springs provides mental health services and addiction treatment in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Contact us 24/7.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mental Health Facility in Fort Worth, Texas | Mesa Springs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mesa Springs provides mental health services and addiction treatment in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Contact us 24/7.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Johnson County MHMR Center 1601 N Anglin St Cleburne, TX County Government General Offices - MapQuest

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get directions, reviews and information for Johnson County MHMR Center in Cleburne, TX.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Johnson County MHMR Center 1601 N Anglin St Cleburne, TX County Government General Offices - MapQuest

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get directions, reviews and information for Johnson County MHMR Center in Cleburne, TX.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Abstract

Objective: To discuss eating disorders in children and adolescents regarding their characteristics and risk factors.

Data sources: Articles were searched in the PubMed and ScieLO databases, combining the terms 'children', 'adolescents', 'eating behavior', 'eating disorder', 'bulimia', and 'anorexia', both in Portuguese and in English. Studies published between 2007 and 2011 were retrieved and 49 articles that assessed eating behavior and disorders, nervous anorexia and bulimia, and non-specific eating disorders were selected.

Data synthesis: Eating disorders, especially non-specific ones, were common during childhood and adolescence. The presence of such disorders was attributed mainly to family environment and exposure to the media. Eating disorders were frequently followed by psychological comorbidities.

Conclusions: Among the risk factors for eating disorders, social and family environment and the media were the most important ones. The influence of the media and social environment has been related to the worship of thinness. As to family environment, mealtimes appeared to be fundamental in shaping eating behavior and the development of disorders. Eating disorders were associated with nutritional problems (growing impairment and weight gain), oral health (cheilitis, dental erosion, periodontitis, and hypertrophy of salivary glands), and social prejudice.

Similar articles

Social skills: a factor of protection against eating disorders in adolescentes.

Uzunian LG, Vitalle MS. Uzunian LG, et al. Cien Saude Colet. 2015 Nov;20(11):3495-508. doi: 10.1590/1413-812320152011.18362014. Cien Saude Colet. 2015. PMID: 26602727 Review. English, Portuguese.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
feeding and eating disorders / epidemiology*

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
national center for biotechnology information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Eating disorders in childhood and adolescence - PubMed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Among the risk factors for eating disorders, social and family environment and the media were the most important ones. The influence of the media and social environment has been related to the worship of thinness. As to family environment, mealtimes appeared to be fundamental in shaping eating behav ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Many children have fears and worries, and may feel sad and hopeless from time to time. Strong fears may appear at different times during development. For example, toddlers are often very distressed about being away from their parents, even if they are safe and cared for. Although some fears and worries are typical in children, persistent or extreme forms of fear and sadness could be due to anxiety or depression. Learn about anxiety and depression in children.

Facts

Anxiety and depression affect many children

9.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 5.8 million) had diagnosed anxiety in 2016-2019.

4.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 2.7 million) have diagnosed depression in 2016-2019.

Anxiety and depression have increased over time

"Ever having been diagnosed with either anxiety or depression" among children aged 6-17 years increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and to 8.4% in 2011-2012.

"Ever having been diagnosed with anxiety" among children aged 6-17 years increased from 5.5% in 2007 to 6.4% in 2011-2012.

"Ever having been diagnosed with depression" among children aged 6-17 years did not change between 2007 (4.7%) and 2011-2012 (4.9%).

Learn more facts about children's mental health
Anxiety

When children do not outgrow the fears and worries that are typical in young children, or when there are so many fears and worries that they interfere with school, home, or play activities, the child may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Examples of different types of anxiety disorders include

Being very afraid when away from parents (separation anxiety)

Having extreme fear about a specific thing or situation, such as dogs, insects, or going to the doctor (phobias)

Being very afraid of school and other places where there are people (social anxiety)

Being very worried about the future and about bad things happening (general anxiety)

Having repeated episodes of sudden, unexpected, intense fear that come with symptoms like heart pounding, having trouble breathing, or feeling dizzy, shaky, or sweaty (panic disorder)

Anxiety may present as fear or worry, but can also make children irritable and angry. Anxiety symptoms can also include trouble sleeping, as well as physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or stomachaches. Some anxious children keep their worries to themselves and, thus, the symptoms can be missed.

Depression

Occasionally being sad or feeling hopeless is a part of every child's life. However, some children feel sad or uninterested in things that they used to enjoy, or feel helpless or hopeless in situations they are able to change. When children feel persistent sadness and hopelessness, they may be diagnosed with depression.

Examples of behaviors often seen in children with depression include

Feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable a lot of the time

Not wanting to do, or enjoy doing, fun things

Showing changes in eating patterns - eating a lot more or a lot less than usual

Showing changes in sleep patterns - sleeping a lot more or a lot less than normal

Showing changes in energy - being tired and sluggish or tense and restless a lot of the time

Having a hard time paying attention

Feeling worthless, useless, or guilty

Showing self-injury and self-destructive behavior

Extreme depression can lead a child to think about suicide or plan for suicide. For youth ages 10-24 years, suicide is among the leading causes of death. Read about youth suicide prevention

Some children may not talk about their helpless and hopeless thoughts, and may not appear sad. Depression might also cause a child to make trouble or act unmotivated, causing others not to notice that the child is depressed, or to incorrectly label the child as a trouble-maker or lazy.

Treatment for Anxiety and Depression

The first step to treatment is to talk with a healthcare provider, such as your child's primary care provider or a mental health specialist, about getting an evaluation. Some of the signs and symptoms of anxiety or depression in children could be caused by other conditions, such as trauma. A mental health professional can develop a therapy plan that works best for the child and family. Behavior therapy includes child therapy, family therapy, or a combination of both. For very young children, involving parents in treatment is key; the school can also be included in the treatment plan. Consultation with a healthcare provider can help determine if medication should be part of the treatment.

If you need help finding treatment, visit MentalHealth.gov.

Managing Symptoms: Staying Healthy

Being healthy is important for all children, and can be especially important for children with depression or anxiety. In addition to getting the right treatment, leading a healthy lifestyle can play a role in managing symptoms of depression or anxiety. Here are some healthy behaviors that may help:

Having a healthy eating plan centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), lean protein sources, and nuts and seeds

Participating in physical activity each day based on age

Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night based on age

Practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques

References

1. Bitsko RH, Claussen AH, Lichtstein J, Black LJ, Everett Jones S, Danielson MD, Hoenig JM, Davis Jack SP, Brody DJ, Gyawali S, Maenner MM, Warner M, Holland KM, Perou R, Crosby AE, Blumberg SJ, Avenevoli S, Kaminski JW, Ghandour RM. Surveillance of Children's Mental Health - United States, 2013 - 2019 MMWR, 2022 / 71(Suppl-2);1-42. [Read article]

2. Bitsko RH, Holbrook JR, Ghandour RM, Blumberg SJ, Visser SN, Perou R, Walkup J. Epidemiology and impact of healthcare provider-diagnosed anxiety and depression among U.S. children. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. 2018;39:395-403. [Read article]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Anxiety and depression in children: Get the facts | CDC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information about Children's Mental Health. Provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is conduct disorder in children?

Conduct disorder is a type of behavior disorder. It's when a child has antisocial behavior. He or she may disregard basic social standards and rules. He or she may also:

Be irresponsible

Skip school or run away (delinquent behavior)

Steal or do other things to violate the rights of others

Physically harm animals or other people, such as committing assault or rape

These behaviors sometimes happen together. But one or more may occur without the others.

What causes conduct disorder in a child?

Experts believe that many factors play a role in conduct disorder. These are:

Some children with conduct disorders seem to have a problem in the frontal lobe of the brain. This interferes with a child's ability to plan, stay away from harm, and learn from negative experiences.

Some experts believe that a series of traumatic experiences occurs for a child to develop a conduct disorder. These experiences then often lead to depressed mood, behavior problems, and involvement in a deviant peer group.

Which children are at risk for conduct disorder?

A conduct disorder is more common in boys than in girls. It is also more likely to develop in children or teens who come from homes that are:

Children with these mental health problems are also more likely to have conduct disorder:

Mood or anxiety disorders

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Substance abuse

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Learning problems or learning disorders

Children or teens who are considered to have a difficult temperament are more likely to develop behavior problems.

What are the symptoms of conduct disorder in a child?

Most symptoms seen in children with conduct disorder also happen at times in children without this problem. But in children with the disorder, these symptoms occur more often. They also interfere with learning, school adjustment, and sometimes with the child's relationships.

Each child's symptoms may vary. But the 4 main groups of behaviors are described below.

Aggressive conduct

Destructive conduct

Deceitfulness

Violation of rules or age-appropriate norms

These symptoms may look like other mental health problems. Have your child see his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is conduct disorder diagnosed in a child?

A child psychiatrist or qualified mental health expert can diagnose a conduct disorder. He or she will talk with parents and teachers about the child's behavior and may observe the child. In some cases, your child may need mental health testing.

If you notice symptoms of conduct disorder in your child or teen, you can help by seeking a diagnosis right away. Early treatment can often prevent future problems.

How is conduct disorder treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child's symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Treatment for conduct disorder may include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy. A child learns how to better solve problems, communicate, and handle stress. He or she also learns how to control impulses and anger.

Family therapy. This therapy helps make changes in the family. It improves communication skills and family interactions.

Peer group therapy. A child develops better social and interpersonal skills.

Medicines. These are not often used to treat conduct disorder. But a child may need them for other symptoms or disorders such as ADHD. These other disorders often occurs along with symptoms of conduct disorder.

How can I help prevent conduct disorder in my child?

Experts don't know exactly why some children develop conduct disorder. Things such as a traumatic experience, social problems, and biological factors may be involved. To reduce the risk for this disorder, parents can learn positive parenting strategies. They can be good role models for their children.. This can help to create a closer parent-child relationship and give the child with examples of how to respectfully treat other people, animals, and property. It can also create a safe and stable home life for the child.

How can I help my child live with conduct disorder?

Early treatment for your child can often prevent future problems. Here are things you can do to help your child:

Keep all appointments with your child's healthcare provider.

Take part in family therapy as needed.

Talk to your child's healthcare provider about other providers who will be involved in your child's care. Your child may get care from a team that may include counselors, therapists, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Your child's care team will depend on his or her needs and how serious the disorder is.

Tell others about your child's conduct disorder. Work with your healthcare provider and schools to develop a treatment plan.

Reach out for support. Being in touch with other parents who have a child with conduct disorder may be helpful. If you feel overwhelmed or stressed out, talk with your healthcare provider about a support group for caregivers of children with conduct disorder.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider right away if your child:

Feels extreme depression, fear, anxiety, or anger toward him or herself or others

Feels out of control

Hears voices that others don't hear

Sees things that others don't see

Can't sleep or eat for 3 days in a row

Shows behavior that concerns friends, family, or teachers, and others express concern about this behavior and ask you to seek help

Call 911 if your child has suicidal thoughts, a suicide plan, and the means to carry out the plan. Never leave them alone until the situation is assessed and treatment laid out. This may include a hospital stay.

Key points about conduct disorder in children

Conduct disorder is a type of behavior disorder. It's when a child has antisocial behavior.

Both genetic and environmental factors may play a role.

Children with other mental health problems are more likely to have this disorder.

Symptoms are divided into 4 main groups. They are aggression, destruction, deceitfulness, and violation of rules.

Therapy that helps the child interact better with others is the main treatment. Therapy may include both individual and family counseling. Medicines may be needed for other problems, such as ADHD.

Reach out for support. Being in touch with other parents who have a child with conduct disorder may be helpful.

Call 911 if your child has suicidal thoughts, a suicide plan, and the means to carry out the plan. Never leave the child alone.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child's healthcare provider:

Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.

Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.

Ask if your child's condition can be treated in other ways.

Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

Know how you can contact your child's provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Conduct disorder is a type of behavior disorder. It's when a child has antisocial behavior. He or she may disregard basic social standards and rules. He or she may also: Be irresponsible Skip school or run away (delinquent behavior) Steal or do other things to violate the rights of others Physically harm animals or other people, such as committing assault or rape These behaviors sometimes happen together.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Mental health problems ranging from depression to bipolar disorder are known as mood disorders, or affective disorders. In any of these disorders, a serious change in mood shapes your child's emotional state. Unlike a normal bad mood a child feels occasionally, a mood disorder involves thoughts and feelings that are intense, difficult to manage, and persistent. A mood disorder is a real medical condition, not something a child will likely just "get over" on his own.

Today, clinicians and researchers believe that mood disorders in children remain one of the most underdiagnosed health problems. Mood disorders that go undiagnosed can put kids at risk for other conditions, like disruptive behavior and substance use disorders, that remain after the mood disorder is treated. Children and teens with a mood disorder don't always show the same symptoms as adults. So it can be difficult for parents to recognize a problem in their child, especially since he or she may not easily express his or her thoughts or feelings.

The most common mood disorders in children and adolescents include:

Major depression. A depressed or irritable mood, lasting at least two weeks.

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). A chronic, low-grade, depressed or irritable mood for at least 1 year.

Bipolar disorder. Periods of persistently elevated mood followed by periods of depressed or flat emotional response.

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. A persistent irritability and extreme inability to control behavior.

Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder. This includes depressive symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation.

Mood disorder due to a general medical condition. Many medical illnesses, including cancer, injuries, and chronic medical illnesses, can trigger symptoms of depression.

Substance-induced mood disorder. Symptoms of depression due to drug use, the effects of a medication, or exposure to toxins.

Girls are at least twice as likely as boys to develop depression. Boys and girls are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The causes of mood disorders are not well understood. Imbalances in brain chemicals play a role. Environmental factors, such as unexpected life events and/or chronic stress, can also contribute to a mood disorder.

Mood disorders often run in families, so there is a genetic component, too. Children who have relatives with depression are at increased risk for depression. In addition, a family history of bipolar disorder may predispose a child to have bipolar disorder or other mood disorder.

Sometimes, extreme stress or a life event can "turn on" a gene, causing the disorder to develop. This can happen especially with depression.

Children show symptoms differently, according to their age and biological makeup. Symptoms also vary according to the type of mood disorder. Overall signs of a mood disorder may include:

Sad, depressed, irritable, angry, or elevated mood that appears more intense than the child usually feels, lasts for a longer period of time, or occurs more frequently

Trouble with family, including difficult behavior

Lack of motivation or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities

Changes in sleep or eating patterns or weight

Frequent physical complaints, such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue

Loss of energy or fatigue

Difficulty achieving in school

Worthlessness, guilt, or low self-esteem

Severe recurrent temper outbursts

Increased energy or bursts of energy with racing thoughts or fast speech

Rebellious or high risk behavior

Running away or threats of running away from home

Difficulty with friends and peers

Expressions of suicidal thoughts, which should be evaluated immediately

If you believe your child is struggling with a mood disorder, you can ask your pediatrician for a referral to a therapist or child psychiatrist. An accurate diagnosis of the mood disorder, as well as any other conditions, is a crucial first step in managing the disorder effectively. At The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, a specialist will perform a comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation may assess:

Your child's overall health and medical history

Your child's symptoms

Your child's behavior at home, at school, and with peers

Environmental factors that might be stressors in your child's life

Input from teachers or guidance counselor about issues at school

Your child's past experiences with specific medications or therapies

Your opinion or preference for treatment options

Mood disorders can be treated with evidence-based treatments, especially with early recognition of the problem. Treatment can help manage the episode, reduce the severity of symptoms, and help to prevent future episodes. It can also enhance your child's normal growth and development and improve his or her quality of life and relationships.

A CHOP specialist will design a personalized treatment plan based on your child's symptoms and other factors unique to her situation. The plan may include:
Individual therapy

The specialist will identify key problems in your child's life and help your child learn how to manage these stressors. The specialist may also use a variety of techniques to help your child manage the symptoms of the mood disorder, including

Cognitive-behavioral. This approach involves changing problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that your child may be experiencing.

Interpersonal therapy. This technique focuses on building social skills and helping children with difficult relationships in their lives.

Family therapy
Families play a vital supportive role in any mood disorder. Families, including parents or guardians, can learn methods to help their child manage mood and behavior problems. The specialist may also explore potential stressors in a child's life and patterns of interaction within the family. A consultation with your child's teachers or guidance counselor may also be advised.
Medications
A variety of medications are very effective in treating mood disorders by altering the brain chemicals involved. Depending on the mood disorder and your child's symptoms, medications may reduce the severity or frequency of symptoms, decrease problematic behaviors, improve functioning, and prevent future episodes.

Many children who receive early and adequate treatment for their mood disorder may improve significantly and keep their condition managed with ongoing intervention or support . If the episodes recur, they can usually be managed with therapeutic support, including medications, therapy, and additional resources. Despite the mood disorder, children and adolescents are able to grow, develop, and have meaningful life experiences, especially when their mood disorder is managed appropriately and adequately.

Depending on your child's personalized treatment plan, your child and family may continue to meet with the specialist for a number of weeks or months. The focus of individual and family therapy may change over time, depending on your child's age, progress, and needs. Medication needs may also change over time depending on a number of factors. At CHOP, a specialist will monitor and manage your child's condition closely.

Children with mood disorders have a complexity to their condition that includes biology, genetics, factors like stress and physical health, family and peer dynamics, behavior and thought patterns, and sometimes other conditions operating alongside the mood disorder. This complexity means the accuracy of the diagnosis and assessment of your child is crucial and shapes the treatment approach. The right treatment then determines how effectively the mood disorder is managed-and how well your child flourishes in every domain: home, school, and among peers. The team at CHOP is specially trained to recognize, diagnose, and treat the full range of mood disorders in children. They design a personalized plan for your child based on the latest thinking and approaches to care. Their skill set leads your child to long-term success.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mood disorders in teens remain one of the most under-diagnosed mental health problems. These disorders also put teens at risk for other conditions that may persist long after the initial episodes of depression are resolved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Many children occasionally have thoughts that bother them, and they might feel like they have to do something about those thoughts, even if their actions don't actually make sense. For example, they might worry about having bad luck if they don't wear a favorite piece of clothing. For some children, the thoughts and the urges to perform certain actions persist, even if they try to ignore them or make them go away. Children may have an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) when unwanted thoughts, and the behaviors they feel they must do because of the thoughts, happen frequently, take up a lot of time (more than an hour a day), interfere with their activities, or make them very upset. The thoughts are called obsessions. The behaviors are called compulsions.

Symptoms

Having OCD means having obsessions, compulsions, or both.

Examples of obsessive or compulsive behaviors include:

Having unwanted thoughts, impulses, or images that occur over and over and which cause anxiety or distress.

Having to think about or say something over and over (for example, counting, or repeating words over and over silently or out loud)

Having to do something over and over (for example, handwashing, placing things in a specific order, or checking the same things over and over, like whether a door is locked)

Having to do something over and over according to certain rules that must be followed exactly in order to make an obsession go away.

Children do these behaviors because they have the feeling that the behaviors will prevent bad things from happening or will make them feel better. However, the behavior is not typically connected to actual danger of something bad happening, or the behavior is extreme, such as washing hands multiple times per hour.

A common myth is that OCD means being really neat and orderly. Sometimes, OCD behaviors may involve cleaning, but many times someone with OCD is too focused on one thing that must be done over and over, rather than on being organized. Obsessions and compulsions can also change over time.
Learn more about OCD
Treatment for OCD

The first step to treatment is to talk with a healthcare provider to arrange an evaluation. A comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional will determine if the anxiety or distress involves memories of a traumatic event that actually happened, or if the fears are based on other thoughts or beliefs. The mental health professional should also determine whether someone with OCD has a current or past tic disorder. Anxiety or depression and disruptive behaviors may also occur with OCD.

Treatments can include behavior therapy and medication. Behavior therapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy, helps the child change negative thoughts into more positive, effective ways of thinking, leading to more effective behavior. Behavior therapy for OCD can involve gradually exposing children to their fears in a safe setting; this helps them learn that bad things do not really occur when they don't do the behavior, which eventually decreases their anxiety. Behavior therapy alone can be effective, but some children are treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. Families and schools can help children manage stress by being part of the therapy process and learning how to respond supportively without accidentally making obsessions or compulsions more likely to happen again.

Get help finding treatment

Here are tools to find a healthcare provider familiar with treatment options:

Prevention of OCD

It is not known exactly why some children develop OCD. There is likely to be a biological and neurological component, and some children with OCD also have Tourette syndrome or other tic disorders. There are some studies that suggest that health problems during pregnancy and birth may make OCD more likely, which is one of many important reasons to support the health of women during pregnancy.
Learn about preventing problems during pregnancy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children | CDC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Many children occasionally have thoughts that bother them, and they might feel like they have to do something about those thoughts, even if their actions don't actually make sense. Learn about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children.