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Great Resource for General Information on Different Behaviors

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Great Resource for General Information on Different Behaviors

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Child Mind Institute | Transforming Children’s Lives.

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The Child Mind Institute is an independent nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children struggling with mental health and learning disorders.

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American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

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American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

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Home - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

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Council for Exceptional Children | The premier association for special education professionals

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The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)'s Partner Solutions Directory is an online resource for special education products, services, and programming support! Search for a topic and quickly receive a list of partners who provide products, services, or programming supporting your work and career.
View More Partner Solutions

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Council for Exceptional Children | The premier association for special education professionals

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The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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What is anxiety?

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.

What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety?

What are the risk factors for anxiety?

How is anxiety treated?

How can I find a clinical trial for anxiety?

Where can I learn more about anxiety?

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Learn about anxiety disorders, including signs and symptoms, types, risk factors, and potential treatments and therapies.

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Anxiety Disorders | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

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Discover the symptoms, causes, diagnosis advice, treatment options and related conditions of anxiety disorders.

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network-  Resources for PTSD 

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network-  Resources for PTSD 

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As part of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), the Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma offers Free Online Education with:

300+ FREE CE certificates

50+ speakers

200+ online webinars

90,000+ members

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nctsn learning center for child and adolescent trauma

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NCTSN Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma

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As part of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma offers free online education.

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American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry-Resources for Panic Disorders 

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American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry-Resources for Panic Disorders 

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Anxiety Disorders Resource Center
Last updated July 2016
All children experience anxiety. Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. For example, from approximately age 8 months through the preschool years, healthy youngsters may show intense distress (anxiety) at times of separation from their parents or other caregivers with whom they are close. Young children may have short-lived fears, (such as fear of the dark, storms, animals, or strangers). Anxious children are often overly tense or uptight. Some may seek a lot of reassurance, and their worries may interfere with activities. 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. Parents should be alert to the signs of severe anxiety so they can intervene early to prevent complications.

For additional information see:
AACAP Book Your Adolescent Anxiety and Avoidant Disorders
Glossary of Symptoms and Mental Illnesses Choose a topic:

1. How much anxiety is "normal" for a child?

2. What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety?

3. What causes anxiety disorders?

4. How are anxiety disorders treated?

AACAP's Facts for Families provide concise up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families.

AACAP Practice Parameters
Considered resources for experts, mental health professional and physicians, AACAP's practice parameters were developed to guide clinical decision making. They show the best treatments and the range of treatment options available to families living with childhood and adolescent mental illness.Considered resources for experts, mental health professional and physicians, AACAP's Practice Parameters were developed to guide clinical decision making. They show the best treatments and the range of treatment options available to families living with childhood and adolescent mental illness.

Additional Clinical Resources

Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy for Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents: An Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry:
June 2015 - Volume 54 - Issue 6 - pp 454-463

Assessment and Management of Treatment-Refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry:
April 2015 - Volume 54 - Issue 4 - pp 251-262

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Duloxetine for the Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry:
April 2015 - Volume 54 - Issue 4 - pp 283-293

Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Past 10 Years
Journal of Amer Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: Special Articles: PD onlh.

A review of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in anxiety and depression:
Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy for Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents: An Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry:
August 2004 - Volume 43 - Issue 8 - pp 930-959

A recent important study comparing medication and CBT in treating anxiety:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sertraline, or a Combination in Childhood Anxiety
New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 359:2753-2766 December 25, 2008 Number 26

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children
John Piacentini, R. Lindsey Bergman
Psychiatric Clinics of North America - 1 September 2000 (Vol. 23, Issue 3, Pages 519-533)

March JS (1995), Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy for children and adolescents with OCD: a review and recommendations for treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 34:7-18
The use of imaging Technology and Physiological Measurements to Investigate Changes in Biological Stress Systems and Brain Development in Maltreated Children with PTSD
2015 Annual Meeting Sessions
Click here to search the Annual Meeting Sessions.

IACAPAP Textbook of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
IACAPAP

Your Adolescent - Anxiety and Avoidant Disorders
AACAP

What You Must Think of Me: A First Hand Account of One Teenager's Experience with Social Anxiety Disorder
Emily Ford

For more bibliotherapy resources, visit Living with Mental Illness: Books, Stories and Memoirs.

Not all children who have experienced anxiety will need treatment. However, treatment can help minimize anxiety. To obtain help, parents should try to find a mental health professional who has advanced training and experience with evaluating and treating children, adolescents, and families. It is important to find a comfortable match between your child, your family, and the mental health professional.

A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and behavior that affect children, adolescents, and their families. Child and adolescent psychiatrists have completed four years of medical school, at least three years of residency training in medicine, neurology, or general psychiatry with adults, and two years of additional training in psychiatric work with children, adolescents, and their families.

Click here to find a child and adolescent psychiatrist in your area.

Facts for Families:
Providing up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families. These fact sheets are relevant to anxiety disorders.
Related Support Group Web Sites

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Anxiety Disorders Resource Center Last updated July 2016 All children experience anxiety. Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. For example, from approximately age 8 months through the preschool years, healthy youngsters may show intense distress (anxiety) at times of separation from their parents or other caregivers with whom they are close.

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National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

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National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

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ANAD | Free Eating Disorder Support Groups & Services

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ANAD provides free, peer support services to anyone struggling with an eating disorder. Learn more about our Helpline, support groups & more!

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Awesome Website with Links to Services for Eating Disorders

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Awesome Website with Links to Services for Eating Disorders

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Academy of Eating Disorders (AED)
http://www.aedweb.org

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
https://www.adaa.org/

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
http://www.dbsalliance.org

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
http://www.anad.org/ANAD

The Body Positive
http://www.thebodypositive.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Eating Disorder Coalition for Research, Policy and Action
http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org

The Eating Disorder Foundation, Denver, Colorado
http://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org

Eating Disorder Hope
http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/

Eating Disorders Information Network
http://www.edin-ga.org

Eating Disorder Referral (EDReferral)
http://www.edreferral.com

Elisa Project
www.theelisaproject.org

Help Guide
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_self_help.html

International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP)
http://www.iaedp.com

Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, Inc. (MEDA)
http://www.medainc.org

National Alliance on Mental Health Illness (NAMI)
http://www.namioc.org/

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
Http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/webinars

The National Eating Disorders Screening Program
http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org

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Academy of Eating Disorders (AED) http://www.aedweb.org Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) https://www.adaa.org/ Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) http://www.dbsalliance.org National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) http://www.anad.org/ANAD The Body Positive http://www.thebodypositive.org Eating Disorders Anonymous http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org Eating Disorder Coalition for Research, Policy and Action http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org The Eating Disorder Foundation, Denver, Colorado http://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org Eating Disorder Hope http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/ Eating Disorders Information Network http://www.edin-ga.org Eating Disorder Referral (EDReferral) http://www.edreferral.com Elisa Project www.theelisaproject.org Help Guide http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_self_help.html International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) http://www.iaedp.com Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, Inc.

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Stay Up-To-Date on the Latest Policy and Action in regards to Combating Eating Disorders

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Stay Up-To-Date on the Latest Policy and Action in regards to Combating Eating Disorders

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health Awards Two Grants to Address Eating Disorders in Adolescent Girls

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 19, 2022)- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women's Health (OWH) awarded nearly $1 million in grants to improve early detection and prevention of eating disorders in adolescent girls. The grants will support the development of evidence-based interventions that target COVID-19 related stressors and potential barriers to early diagnosis. The grant awards are part of a larger HHS effort to expand eating disorders prevention and awareness, improve care, and reduce stigma. The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) would like to thank HHS OWH for their investment to create greater access to care for eating disorders across the country.
Read full press release.

Eating Disorders Coalition Releases 2022 Interim Congressional Scorecard

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 12, 2022)- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is pleased to announce the publication of its third biannual Interim Congressional Scorecard. This scorecard reflects how members of the 117th Congress' House of Representatives and Senate supported eating disorders initiatives over the last two years. EDC's advocates depend on the EDC's Interim Scorecard as they make voting decisions for this coming election day.

View Interim Congressional Scorecard .

Read Full Statement .

President Biden Includes Eating Disorders in National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health

WASHINGTON, D.C (September 29, 2022)-Yesterday, the Biden-Harris Administration hosted the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. This is only the second time the conference has been held and the first time in over 50 years. Prior to the conference, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) in partnership with the National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED) submitted comments and participated in a series of White House listening sessions to help inform the White House's National Strategy and urge the inclusion of eating disorders within the national strategy and conference. The EDC applauds the Administration for learning and listening to the expertise of the EDC and NCEED and integrating eating disorders into the national strategy.
Full Press Release

Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act Passes Through House Education and Labor Committee

Washington D.C. (July 28, 2022)- Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor passed Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 8450), led by Representatives Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA-03) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01). This comprehensive child nutrition reauthorization bill addresses and prevents child hunger. The EDC supported Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act (IMHWSA) (H.R. 5526), led by Representatives Kathy Manning (D-NC-06) and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-04) was included within the bill.

Read the full press release .

Kids Online Safety Act & Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act Passes Through Senate Commerce Committee

WASHINGTON D.C. (July 27, 2022)- Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee passed the Kids Online Safety Act (S.3663) (KOSA), led by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act (S.1628) (COPPA 2.0), led by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA). KOSA passed unanimously, 28-0, out of committee. The two pieces of legislation now await a vote on the U.S. Senate floor. The two bipartisan bills have the potential to significantly improve young people's wellbeing by transforming the digital environment for children and teens. The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) would like to thank the Senators leading these bills, the Senate Commerce Committee members who voted in favor of its passage, and the organizations that worked tirelessly with the EDC to push these bills forward including Fairplay, Common Sense, Mental Health America, and the American Psychological Association. The EDC also gives gratitude to all its members, ambassadors, and advocates for their passion and dedication to help pass KOSA and COPPA 2.0 through committee.

Read the full press release .

U.S. House of Representatives Passed Anna Westin Legacy Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22, 2022)- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) celebrates the passage of the Anna Westin Legacy Act ( H.R.7249) within the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 ( H.R.7666) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The EDC would like to thank Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA-06), David McKinley (R-WV-01), Ted Deutch (D-FL-22), and Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ-02) for leading the Anna Westin Legacy Act to passage. The EDC also thanks its member organizations and incredible advocates across the country. The EDC could not do this work without their voices!

Read the full press release .

Statement from the Eating Disorders Coalition: Office of Women's Health to Provide $3.715 Million to Eating Disorders Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 9, 2022)- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a $3.715 million Eating Disorders Initiative under the Office of Women's Health (OWH) to support grants designed to identify, develop, and implement evidence-based strategies and community-based interventions aimed at detecting and preventing eating disorders, focusing on teen girls at risk for eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is anticipated to offer up to five awards in varying amounts. The application is open until Friday, July 15 and can be found here.

Read the full statement .

Bipartisan Anna Westin Legacy Act Passed U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 25, 2022)- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) celebrates the passage of the Anna Westin Legacy Act ( H.R.7249 ) in the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee and is awaiting a vote on the House floor. Last week, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 ( H.R. 7666 ), including the Anna Westin Legacy Act. The legislation passed through the committee unanimously. The Anna Westin Legacy Act would reauthorize the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders to continue training primary health care professionals on eating disorders screening, brief intervention, and referral to care (SBIRT).

Read the full press release here .

Eating Disorders Coalition Hosted Annual Advocacy Day

WASHINGTON, D.C (May 18, 2022)- Yesterday, 190 advocates from 34 states and the District of Columbia took part in the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) Virtual Advocacy Day. Advocates spent the day sharing their personal stories and urging their congressional leaders to support the Anna Westin Legacy Act ( H.R. 7249 / S. 3686 ) and the Kids Online Safety Act ( S.3663 ), two critical pieces of legislation for the eating disorders community.

Read the full press release here .

Eating Disorders Coalition and The Trevor Project Host Briefing on Social Media's Impact on Youth and Eating Disorders in Communities of Color

Washington, D.C. (April 11, 2022)- Last week, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action and The Trevor Project hosted a congressional briefing titled "Today's Pressures on Youth: Eating Disorders Stigma and Social Media Impact on Mental Health." The briefing focused on educating Congressional staff and the eating disorders community on the rise and impact of eating disorders on youth, particularly youth of color and LGBTQ youth. It also included a discussion on the disproportionate harms of social media on marginalized youth and barriers to identification and treatment for eating disorders. The briefing promoted two EDC-led legislative bills: the Anna Westin Legacy Act ( H.R.7249/ S.3686) and the Kids Online Safety Act ( S.3663). You can watch the recording here .

Read the full press release here .

Bipartisan Anna Westin Legacy Act Companion Bill Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, DC - On March 28, 2022, Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA-06), David McKinley (R-WV-01), Ted Deutch (D-FL-22), and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02)introduced the companion bill to S.3686, the Anna Westin Legacy Act in the U.S. House of Representatives ( H.R.7249). This bipartisan legislation will authorize the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, first created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services after the passage of the Anna Westin Act in 2016, to continue training and equipping health care professionals to screen, briefly intervene, and refer individuals to treatment for eating disorders. Between 2016 and 2019, over 7,000 health care professionals have been trained on eating disorders by the Center. The continuation and expansion of the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders will help youth and families affected by eating disorders be identified and referred to needed treatment.

Read the full press release here .

EDC Applauds Omnibus Passage of Telehealth Provisions to Inform Future Telehealth Policy

(Washington, D.C.) March 24, 2022-The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) celebrates the inclusion of provisions of the Evaluating Disparities and Outcomes of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Emergency Act of 2021, or EDOT Act (H.R. 4770) in the recently passed Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 ( P.L. 117-103) that was signed into law on March 15, 2022. The EDC were early supporters of this legislation and led two organizational support letters urging committee leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the bill. The letter from 2020 can be viewed here and the letter from 2021 here. This legislation will examine the use of telehealth services under Medicare during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDC extends our gratitude to Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) for championing this important legislation.

Read the full press release here .

Eating Disorders Coalition Call to Action: Story Collection for Insurance Discrimination

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 8, 2022) - In late January, the Department of Labor (DOL), Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), and Department of Treasury (Treasury) issued a report to Congress on discriminatory denials of mental health insurance coverage, also referred to as mental health parity violations. The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) was disheartened by these many violations by insurance companies reflected in this report. However, the EDC also sees this as an opportunity for the eating disorders community to work with and better inform the Department of Labor and Congress to better enforce and improve mental health parity laws.

Read the full press release here .

Statement from EDC: White House Declares Presidential Proclamation for Eating Disorders Awareness Week

(WASHINGTON, DC) February 18, 2022- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) commemorates the White House Presidential Proclamation for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This is the first administration in three decades to recognize the week. President George H.W. Bush signed the first ever proclamation recognizing National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in 1990. This is a historic moment for the eating disorders community, and the EDC thanks President Biden for acknowledging February 21-27, 2022, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week to prioritize eating disorders as mental illnesses that deserve attention across the nation.

Read our full press release here .

EDC Applauds Bipartisan Introduction of the Kids Online Safety Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On February 16, 2022, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security, introduced the Kids Online Safety Act, a comprehensive bipartisan bill to protect children's mental health and safety online. Recent heartbreaking reporting has revealed the severe harms of social media on youth body image, negative appearance comparison, and risk for eating disorders, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chair and Ranking Member's legislation will protect minors on social media from algorithmic harms, empower parents, and hold platforms accountable for their promotion of eating disorders and other mental and physical harms.

Read the full press release here .

EDC, National Eating Disorders Association, National Alliance for Eating Disorders & REDC Consortium Pleased to Meet with ADM Rachel Levine

The Eating Disorders Coalition, along with our partner organizations, National Eating Disorders Association, National Alliance for Eating Disorders, and REDC Consortium met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health, ADM Rachel Levine to share policy recommendations the U.S. Health and Human Services can take up for eating disorders awareness, education, training, and prevention.

Read our full list of recommendations here .

EDC Celebrates Passage of SERVE Act into Federal Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 15, 2021) - The Eating Disorder Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) applauds the House and Senate for passing a bipartisan provision based on the Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery through Vital Expansion (SERVE) Act ( S.194/ H.R. 1309) within the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (NDAA). We extend immense gratitude to Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in the Senate and Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), John Katko (R-NY-24), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-04) in the House for their leadership of the standalone SERVE Act and the critical eating disorders provisions in the NDAA. The NDAA now advances to President Biden for his signature.

Read the full press release here .

EDC Welcomes Dr. Avanti Bergquist & Dr. Christine Peat to Board of Directors

WASHINGTON D.C. (December 3, 2021)- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action is pleased to announce Dr. Avanti Bergquist , Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist at Eating Recovery Center/Pathlight and Dr. Christine Peat , Director of the National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED) as new members of the EDC Board of Directors.

Read the full press release here .

EDC Leads Discussion to Address the Negative Impact of Social Media on Children and Teens Through Congressional Briefing

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 11, 2021) - This week, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) and Sandy Hook Promise, in conjunction with the Congressional Mental Health Caucus hosted a virtual Congressional Briefing entitled "Behind the Images: Social Media's Impact on Body Image and Eating Disorders" to highlight the outpouring of reports on the negative impacts social media has on children and teens wellbeing. The briefing featured experts in the field of eating disorders and social media algorithms, as well as a personal story of recovery. The full recording can be watched here .

Read the full press release here .

EDC Joins "Sound the Alarm for Kids" to Address Mental Health Emergency in Children and Teens

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 1st, 2021) - Today the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) joined " Sound the Alarm for Kids " as a national partner committed to helping raise awareness about the mental health emergency in children and adolescents.

Read more here .

EDC Applauds Bicameral Introduction of the Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act with Celebratory Congressional Briefing

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 14, 2021) The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is excited to announce the bipartisan Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act ( H.R. 5526 / S. 2930 ) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The EDC would like to thank Representatives Kathy Manning (D-NC-06) and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-04) and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) for championing this legislation. The EDC is honored to have partnered with The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness and Be Real USA to promote the necessity of mental health education, including education on eating disorders, in schools to support our nation's youth.

Read the full press release here.

House Armed Services Committee Expands Military Families' Access to Eating Disorders Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 2, 2021) - The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) celebrates the passage of Amendment 840 within the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes key provisions of the Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery through Vital Expansion (SERVE) Act ( H.R.1309). The FY22 NDAA now moves to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote.

Read the full press release here.

Statement from the Eating Disorders Coalition Regarding the Senate's Decision Not to Support Mental Health Coverage for Military Families Who Need Eating Disorders Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2021)-The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action released the following statement regarding the Senate Armed Services Committee's decision to exclude the bipartisan SERVE Act (S.194/ H.R. 1309) from the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act:

EDC Celebrates U.S. House of Representatives Passage of Eating Disorders Provisions Within FY 2022 Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 30, 2021)- The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy and Action (EDC) is pleased to announce the inclusion of three eating disorders measures in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies (LHHS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Appropriations Bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday. EDC would like to thank Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL-22), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) for leading these efforts.

Read the full press release here .

EDC & Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness Co-Host Webinar on LGBTQ+ Communities and Eating Disorders

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 1, 2021) - On June 29 th, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, and Action and The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness cohosted a webinar entitled, "Our Bodies, Our Communities: Supporting Individuals with Eating Disorders," in honor of Pride Month. The webinar, attended by over 150 people, educated the eating disorders community, LGBTQ+ community, allies, and U.S. Congressional staff on issues related to eating disorders among LGBTQ+ populations.

Read the full press release here .

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) FY 2022 Appropriations Bill - Eating Disorders Coalition Requests

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 25, 2021) - The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) recently helped organize a letter to the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee, in an effort to secure support and funding for a set of eating disorders initiatives in the upcoming LHHS Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 appropriations bill. This letter was led by Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL-22), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Paul Tonko (R-NY-20), and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), and signed by an additional 47 bipartisan Members of Congress.

Read the full press release here .

EDC Virtual Advocacy Day 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 7, 2021) - Yesterday, 173 advocates from 31 states and the District of Columbia took part in EDC Virtual Advocacy Day 2021. Advocates spent the day meeting over Zoom with health-focused staffers for their Members of Congress, lobbying them to urge their bosses to co-sponsor the bipartisan Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2021 (Nutrition CARE Act) ( H.R. 1551/ S. 584).

EDC Statement on Passage of the American Rescue Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 8, 2021) - Last month, President Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan (ARP) (P.L. 117-2), a $1.9 trillion stimulus package aimed at addressing the continual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislative package contains a number of funding provisions related directly to mitigating the pandemic itself, along with provisions related to expansions in health coverage and funding for mental health programs. The EDC provides a summary of the relevant sections in a statement.

EDC Announces Collaboration on Eating Disorders Prevention in Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 30, 2021) - The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) is pleased to announce that the organization has joined The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness and Be Real USA to advance the Eating Disorders Prevention in Schools Act (EDPSA) in the 117 th Congress. This bill would require the inclusion of eating disorders prevention within Local School Wellness Policies (LSWPs), and encourage screening for eating disorders in our nation's public schools.

Eating Disorders Coalition Releases Second and Final Edition of Its 2020 Congressional Scorecard

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 12, 2020) - The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research Policy & Action (EDC) just released the second and final edition its 2020 Congressional Scorecard to help Americans understand which eating disorders-related policies their Representative and Senators supported during the 116 th Congress.

EDC Releases Top 6 for the 46th Eating Disorders Transition Memo for the Biden-Harris Administration

Eating Disorders Coalition Releases Its 2020 Congressional Scorecard

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 13, 2020) - The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research Policy & Action (EDC) just released its 2020 Congressional Scorecard to help Americans understand what eating disorders-related policies their Representative and Senators supported during the 116 th Congress.

Eating Disorders Coalition Holds First Virtual Advocacy Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 24, 2020) - Yesterday, 185 advocates from 35 states and the District of Columbia took part in the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action's (EDC) Virtual Advocacy Day.

Message from EDC President: Applauding Groundbreaking Report on the Economic Impact of Eating Disorders in the United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 26, 2020) - The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) applauds the publication of the first report in the United States analyzing the social and economic costs of eating disorders by coalition members the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Boston Children's Hospital, and the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), in partnership with Deloitte Access Economics

Senate Armed Services Committee Passes Report Language Based on the SERVE Act within NDAA

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22, 2020) - The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) applauds Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Martha McSally (R-AZ) for their leadership in including report language based on the bipartisan Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery through Vital Expansion (SERVE) Act ( S. 2673), within the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021" (NDAA) that was voted through in the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) last week.

Message from EDC President: Legislative Achievements for Eating Disorders in the time of COVID-19 - the CARES Act and Beyond

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 9, 2020) - During this unprecedented time in our nation's history, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action remains energetic, strident, and whole-hearted in our mission to serve the eating disorders community. As your voice on Capitol Hill, we work each day to ensure that federal policy advances critical access to eating disorders treatment and ensures continuation of health insurance coverage. We continue to work on these important provisions in subsequent federal relief packages.

2020 EDC ADVOCACY DAY: NEW DATE ANNOUNCED

Eating Disorders Coalition Releases Official Letter Requesting the Inclusion of the Nutrition CARE Act Within Cures 2.0

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 3, 2020) - In December, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action submitted a letter to the offices of Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), urging the Representatives to consider including the text of the bipartisan Nutritional Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2019 (Nutrition CARE Act) ( H.R. 3711/ S. 2907), within the planned Cures 2.0 legislative package. A copy of the letter can be accessed here .

HHS Office on Women's Health Releases Summary Report of Meeting on Eating Disorders and Obesity Messaging

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 23, 2019) - In March, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action joined researchers and advocates for a meeting hosted by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office on Women's Health (OWH) entitled, "How to Talk About Healthy Weight and Healthy Eating: A Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue on Messaging to Promote Healthy Behaviors and Positive Body Image." This meeting was a part of the implementation of the Anna Westin Act, which passed within 21st Century Cures (P.L. 114-255). An executive summary of the meeting can be found here , and a full report can be found here .

Eating Disorders Coalition Celebrates Latest Federal Guidance on Implementation of Mental Health Parity to Promote Compliance and Enforce Eating Disorders Coverage

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 28, 2019) - The US Department of Labor, US Department of Health and Humans Services, and the US Department of the Treasury released guidance last month entitled, "FAQs About Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Implementation and the 21st Century Cures Act Part 39," providing additional direction to insurance plans, issuers, and outside stakeholders in an effort to promote compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) applauds the Departments additional guidance, including new clarifications that will enhance insurance coverage for eating disorders as a result of the Anna Westin Act provisions included within the 21 st Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-255 ).

Bipartisan Women Senators Introduce the Senate SERVE Act- Increasing Identification of Mental Illness and Eating Disorders Treatment Access for Military Members and Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 23, 2019) - Military members and their families have higher prevalence rates of eating disorders than the civilian population, with an estimated 7-8% of servicemembers affected by this serious mental illness. Furthermore, studies show that over 20% of children of servicemembers and 34% of female active duty military members are at risk of eating disorders, and according to a recent study 16% of female veterans meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. The mental health ramifications of eating disorders are unlike any psychiatric illness, due to a high mortality rate, only second to that of opioid use. This high mortality rate, coupled with complex co-occurring medical conditions and the numerous issues our military members and families face with the ability to access eating disorders treatment, demand the Senate to take action.

Read the full statement here .

Eating Disorders Leadership Summit Meeting Underscores Collaboration and Commitment to Dialogue

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 26, 2019)-The Eating Disorders Leadership Summit's virtual gathering in August highlighted the importance of unity, communication, and collaboration across the field of eating disorders.

Read the full statement he re.

Eating Disorders Coalition Board President Presents at the National Advisory Mental Health Council

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 19, 2019)-The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy and Action (EDC) Board President presents oral comments today at the National Advisory Mental Health Council (NAMHC) 257 th Meeting. The NAMHC plays an integral role in advising the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; the Director of National Institutes of Health; and the Director of National Institute of Mental Health on policies and programs that support mental health research, research training and other programs of NIH.

Eating Disorders Coalition Celebrates the House Passage of H.R. 987 to Protect and Stabilize the Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 17, 2019) - The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) celebrates the U.S. House of Representatives passage of the Marketing and Outreach Restoration to Empower Health Education Act of 2019 [ Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act] (H.R. 987), which provides critical reforms and funding to support the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This legislation immediately follows the passage of the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019 (H.R. 986), which the EDC successful advocated for during our EDC Capitol Hill Advocacy Day.

Eating Disorders Coalition Opposes Administration's Decision to Not Uphold the Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 26, 2019) - The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed a surprising reversal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit that the court should uphold the December judgment by Judge Reed O'Connor of the Federal District Court in Fort Worth, Texas that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) should be eliminated in its entirety. Previously, the DOJ only supported ending coverage for pre-existing conditions within the ACA.

Eating Disorders Coalition Supports Energy & Commerce Committee Investigation of Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance Plans

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 14, 2019) - The U.S. House of Representatives majority Energy and Commerce Committee has declared an investigation into health insurance companies that sell short-term, limited duration insurance (STLDI) plans. The Eating Disorders Coalition supports the majority Committee's decision to examine these policies further as STLDI plans have a history of discriminating against individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Eating Disorders Coalition Applauds Decision in Wit v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 8, 2019) - The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) joins our mental health colleagues in aligning with Judge Spero's recent decision in Wit v. United Healthcare Insurance Company as a step forward in ensuring patients and their families receive the mental health and substance use disorder services they need and deserve. Judge Spero found United Behavioral Health (UBH), UnitedHealth Group's unit managing services for mental illness and substance use disorder in private health plans created policies to discriminate against patients with mental health and substance use disorders. The 11 plaintiffs in the case of Wit v. United Healthcare Insurance Company represent over 50,000 patients who were denied care under UBH discriminatory policies. The main plaintiff in the case, Natasha Wit sought coverage for treatment of multiple chronic conditions, including a severe eating disorder and was repeatedly denied treatment by UBH.

2019 EDC ADVOCACY DAY REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Registration is open through April 10, 2019.

The community will be advocating on EDC's two new federal policy initiatives in 2019 -expanding Medicare coverage for persons with eating disorders, and protecting provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affecting patients with the serious mental illness of eating disorders and their families.

Message from the EDC President: Eating Disorders Coalition Announces Two New 2019 Federal Initiatives to Improve Eating Disorders Coverage

The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) is proud to share its focus on two new federal policy initiatives in 2019-one centered on expanding Medicare coverage for persons with eating disorders, and the other concentrated on protecting provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affecting patients with the serious mental illness of eating disorders and their families.

To read the full letter, click here .

Eating Disorders Coalition Elects New Leadership for 2019-2020 Term

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 15, 2019) - At the beginning of 2019, the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) Board of Directors welcomed new executive leadership for the organization. Chase Bannister, MDIV, MSW, LCSW, CEDS has been elected to serve as Board President for a two-year term alongside Board Vice President Molly McShane, MD, MPH, CEDS.

Read the full press release here

Everything You Need to Know for Midterm Elections

The Eating Disorders Coalition wants Americans to know where their Representatives and Senators stand in support of eating disorders policy priorities.

The EDC compiled a Congressional scorecard to inform Americans about Members of Congress' record of support for eating disorders policy. The following scorecard reflects how each Member of Congress has supported eating disorders policy during the 114 th and 115 th Congresses. Each Member is assigned a letter grade based on the number of policy items they have led or supported.

This scorecard is not an endorsement of any candidate by the Eating Disorders Coalition or its members.
View the Scorecard

EDC Applauds SAMHSA's Recently Announced Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders Awardee - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded the first grant for a new federal program that would provide $3.75M over five years for a Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders. SAMHSA awarded the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as its Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, led by Dr. Christine M. Peat, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Neurosurgery at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Read more about it here .

The EDC Welcomes Our Newest Board Member Laura Donahue

Laura Donahue joined the EDC board in August 2018. Read more about our newest board member here .

Nation's Largest Suicide Prevention Organization Thanks Members of Congress for Passing the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act (H.R. 2345 & S.1015)

Washington - Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act. The Senate unanimously passed the same bill in October 2017. Read the full statement: here .

Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders Grant

The Eating Disorders Coalition compiled an infographic summary of the new Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders Grant Application, resulting from the work of the Anna Westin Act passage and eating disorder community's advocacy. View the Press Release here if you missed it yesterday

Group of 51 Bipartisan Senators and Members of Congress Urge HHS for Implementation of Education and Training on Eating Disorders Provisions from the 21st Century Cures Act

Recently a bipartisan group of fifty-one Senators and Members of Congress, led by Sen. Amy Klobuchar [D-MN], Shelley Moore Capito [R-WV], Tammy Baldwin [D-WI] and Rep. Ted Deutch [D-FL] and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R-FL], sent a House and Senate letter to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Azar, urging the full-scale implementation of Section 13006 "Education and Training on Eating Disorders" for health care professionals authorized by the Anna Westin Act through 21st Century Cures (P.L. 114-255).

EDC Urges Important Mental Health Parity Changes During Federal Agency Comment Period

This past Friday, the Eating Disorders Coalition submitted mental health parity
comments for an open comment period to the Department of Labor, Department of Health & Human Services, and Treasury ("The Departments"), urging strategic changes in mental health parity guidance to better assist those affected by eating disorders to receive treatment coverage.

EDC Applauds Congressmen Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Walter Jones (R-NC)

The Eating Disorders Coalition Applauds Congressmen Seth Moulton (D-MA) & Walter Jones (R-NC) for Leading a Bipartisan Letter to Investigate Eating Disorders Prevention and Treatment for Servicemembers and Their Families

Today, House of Representatives Armed Service Committee Members Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA-6) and Walter Jones (R-NC-3) sent a bipartisan letter with 30 other Members of Congress to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to request a comprehensive study of the state of prevention and treatment of eating disorders for military members and their families by December 14, 2018.

Survey for Military Members & Families

CALLING ALL MILITARY MEMBERS & FAMILIES! In order to better understand access to care issues and develop a grassroots network of advocates across the U.S., the EDC & Residential Eating Disorders Consortium (REDC) have teamed up on a survey to collect information from military members and their families who are affected by eating disorders.

Passage of the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act Includes Further Implementation of Anna Westin Act Provision to Train Health Professionals on Eating Disorders

Today, Congress passed the Fiscal Year (FY) Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (also known as the "Omnibus") (Senate Amendment to H.R. 1625). The Explanatory Report Language includes language to integrate the "Education and Training on Eating Disorders" for health care professionals authorized by the Anna Westin Act through 21st Century Cures (P.L. 114-255) into the U.S. Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Resource's Primary Care Training & Enhancement Program.

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health Awards Two Grants to Address Eating Disorders in Adolescent Girls WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 19, 2022)- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women's Health (OWH) awarded nearly $1 million in grants to improve early detection and prevention of eating disorders in adolescent girls.

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We are calling on our community to help us share brightness this season! Together we can provide empowering resources and services for mental well-being. Visit our toolkit to learn how you can spread awareness and support DBSA during our busiest giving time.

Your support is an investment in fostering hope, healing, and a brighter future for all those living with mood disorders.
Brighten Lives Toolkit!

Treatment Options

Seeking mental health treatment is not a sign of weakness or failure, but rather a show of great strength and compassion for yourself and those you love. Learn more about options to treat mood disorders and how to choose a provider.
See Treatment Options

Daily tools empower your wellness journey

Each person's wellness journey is unique. With that in mind, DBSA has developed tools to help you take the first steps and determine what support you may need along the way.

Start with Strengths

The DBSA Wellness Wheel is an easy-to-use tool that focuses on your strengths in 7 key areas of life.
Wellness Wheel

Keep Daily Logs

Our Wellness Tracker can be an essential resource to understand your moods, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle.
Wellness Tracker

If there's a young child in your life, we think you'll be excited to learn more about the DBSA Mood Crew®
Meet the DBSA Mood Crew!

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DBSA - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

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Living with depression or bipolar disorder? Find free support groups, resources, and wellness tools.

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Great Resource for Short Informative Text/Graphics on Bipolar Disorder

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Great Resource for Short Informative Text/Graphics on Bipolar Disorder

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Use these resources to raise awareness about bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood. Although the symptoms may vary over time, bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment. For more information on bipolar disorder, visit the health topic page or view the available brochures.

Help raise awareness about bipolar disorder by sharing information and materials based on the latest research.

Share These Graphics and Social Media Messages

Download and share these messages to help spread the word about bipolar disorder. You can copy and paste the text into a tweet, email, or post. To share the image, right-click on it and select "save image as" to save the file to your computer. We encourage you to use the hashtag #ShareNIMH in your social media posts to connect with people and organizations with similar goals. For more ideas on how to use these resources, visit our help page.

Use Videos to Educate Others

Click "Copy link" to copy the video URL and post these videos on social media, or embed them on your website.

Learn More About Bipolar Disorder

Last Reviewed: September 2022

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Use these resources to raise awareness about bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood.

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Education and Networking for Bipolar Disorder

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Education and Networking for Bipolar Disorder

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ISBD provides education and networking opportunities for researchers, clinicians, and professionals who study and treat bipolar disorders.

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Anxiety and Depression Association of America

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Anxiety and Depression Association of America

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Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

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Anxiety Disorders and Depression Research & Treatment | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

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ADAA is an international nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Education and Resources for Educators and Families

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Education and Resources for Educators and Families

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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Learn about suicide, how you can help prevent it, and resources for those affected, from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Our mission: save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide

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“Conduct disorder” refers to a group of behavioral and emotional problems in youngsters.

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Recent research on Conduct Disorder has been very promising. For example, research has shown that most children and adolescents with conduct disorder do not grow up to have behavioral problems or problems with the law as adults; most of these youth do well as adults, both socially and occupationally. Researchers are also gaining a better understanding of the causes of conduct disorder, as well as aggressive behavior more generally. Conduct disorder has both genetic and environmental components. That is, although the disorder is more common among the children of adults who themselves exhibited conduct problems when they were young, there are many other factors which researchers believe contribute to the development of the disorder. For example, youth with conduct disorder appear to have deficits in processing social information or social cues, and some may have been rejected by peers as young children.

Despite early reports that treatment for this disorder is ineffective, several recent reviews of the literature have identified promising approaches treating children and adolescents with conduct disorder. The most successful approaches intervene as early as possible, are structured and intensive, and address the multiple contexts in which children exhibit problem behavior, including the family, school, and community. Examples of effective treatment approaches include functional family therapy, multi-systemic therapy, and cognitive behavioral approaches which focus on building skills such as anger management. Pharmacological intervention alone is not sufficient for the treatment of conduct disorder.

Conduct disorder tends to co-occur with a number of other emotional and behavioral disorders of childhood, particularly Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Mood Disorders (such as depression). Co-occurring conduct disorder and substance abuse problems must be treated in an integrated, holistic fashion.

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Recent research on Conduct Disorder has been very promising. For example, research has shown that most children and adolescents with conduct disorder do not grow up to have behavioral problems or problems with the law as adults; most of these youth do well as adults, both socially and occupationally.

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Resources for Teachers and Counselors-Conduct Disorder

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Resources for Teachers and Counselors-Conduct Disorder

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Aggression Management Anger/Frustration Management Anxiety Management Articulation Skills Attendance Strategies Attention Skills Assistive Technology Skills Blind/Vision Impaired Bullying Management Skills Central Auditory Processing Deafness Depression/Sadness Management Disengagement/Motivation Strategies Eating Disorder Strategies Emotional Regulation English Language Skills Executive Function Fine Motor Skills Gambling Disorder Grief Management Gross Motor Skills Hearing Intellectual

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Learn about schizophrenia, including onset & symptoms, risk factors, treatments and therapies, how to help a loved one, & resources for more information.

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Ideas for Helping Students Live with Schizophrenia

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Ideas for Helping Students Live with Schizophrenia

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Symptoms of schizophrenia vary from person to person and may change over time. Hospitalization may be needed during a severe episode to ensure a person's safety, proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and other factors.
The signs of schizophrenia involve:

Delusions: false beliefs that a person does not change, even when presented facts.

Hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that do not exist, such as a voice making commands.

Disorganized thinking and speech: impaired communication, including shifting from one thought to the next without a logical connection, or speaking in sentences that do not make sense to others.

Disorganized or abnormal physical behavior: inappropriate or strange actions, a complete lack of movement or talking, acting with a childlike silliness, unpredictable agitation, repetitive or excessive movements.

Negative symptoms: a reduced or lack of the ability to function normally, such as ignoring personal hygiene or not showing emotion.

Tips for Living Well with Schizophrenia

Some people have one psychotic episode, while others experience many throughout their lives. When treated with medication and therapy, in many cases, people with schizophrenia can pursue their goals, have healthy relationships, keep jobs, and be productive members of their communities.

Treatment Options

People with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment. But the earlier treatment begins, the better their chances for recovery and improved quality of life. Medication and therapy can help manage the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Medication: Antipsychotic medications help get symptoms under control-making them less intrusive and disturbing. A psychiatrist may need to try different medications, at different doses, before finding the most effective medication with the least amount of side effects. It can take several weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms. For people who do no respond to medication, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be an option. This brain stimulation technique passes small electric currents through the brain to ease the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Therapy: In addition to medication, therapy provides guidance and support to people with schizophrenia and their families:

Individual therapy ("talk therapy") helps people normalize thought patterns, notice early warning signs of relapse, and handle stress.

Family therapy offers support, insight, and awareness to families coping with schizophrenia.

What You Can Do: Daily Habits Make a Difference

Once medication and therapy begin to work, these strategies can help ease the challenges of schizophrenia:

Stay focused on your treatment goals. Tell family members or friends your goals so they can provide support.

Stick to your treatment plan. Even if symptoms lessen, it is important to go to therapy and take your medication as directed. Use a medication calendar or weekly pillbox to remember to take medications.

Know your warning signs. Have a plan in place to deal with symptoms as they arise so you can get the right help as soon as possible.

Take care of yourself. Your physical health is an important part of feeling good, too. Eat nutritious foods, exercise, and follow a regular sleep routine. Do not smoke, or use alcohol, or illegal drugs.

Incorporate relaxation and stress management techniques into your life. Regularly doing activities such as meditation, or tai-chi, can help reduce stress and avoid triggering an episode.

Join a support group. Share stories and advice with people who understand what you are going through. It is helpful to connect with - and learn from - others with schizophrenia.

Educate yourself and others about schizophrenia. Learning about the illness can encourage you to follow your treatment plan and also help your loved ones be more supportive and compassionate.

Ask about social services assistance. These services help with affordable housing, jobs, transportation, and other daily activities.

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Symptoms of schizophrenia vary from person to person and may change over time. Hospitalization may be needed during a severe episode to ensure a person's safety, proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and other factors. The signs of schizophrenia involve: Delusions: false beliefs that a person does not change, even when presented facts.

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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What is psychosis?

Psychosis refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality. During an episode of psychosis, a person's thoughts and perceptions are disrupted and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not.

Who develops psychosis?

It is difficult to know the number of people who experience psychosis. Studies estimate that between 15 and 100 people out of 100,000 develop psychosis each year.

Psychosis often begins in young adulthood when a person is in their late teens to mid-20s. However, people can experience a psychotic episode at younger and older ages and as a part of many disorders and illnesses. For instance, older adults with neurological disorders may be at higher risk for psychosis.

What are the signs and symptoms of psychosis?

People with psychosis typically experience delusions (false beliefs, for example, that people on television are sending them special messages or that others are trying to hurt them) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not, such as hearing voices telling them to do something or criticizing them). Other symptoms can include incoherent or nonsense speech and behavior that is inappropriate for the situation.

However, a person will often show changes in their behavior before psychosis develops. Behavioral warning signs for psychosis include:

Suspiciousness, paranoid ideas, or uneasiness with others

Trouble thinking clearly and logically

Withdrawing socially and spending a lot more time alone

Unusual or overly intense ideas, strange feelings, or a lack of feelings

Decline in self-care or personal hygiene

Disruption of sleep, including difficulty falling asleep and reduced sleep time

Difficulty telling reality from fantasy

Confused speech or trouble communicating

Sudden drop in grades or job performance

Alongside these symptoms, a person with psychosis may also experience more general changes in behavior that include:

Emotional disruption

Anxiety

Lack of motivation

Difficulty functioning overall

In some cases, a person experiencing a psychotic episode may behave in confusing and unpredictable ways and may harm themselves or become threatening or violent toward others. The risk of violence and suicide decreases with treatment for psychosis, so it is important to seek help. If you find that you are experiencing these changes in behavior or notice them in a friend or family member and they begin to intensify or do not go away, reach out to a health care provider.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has information on ways to get help and find a health care provider or access treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.

What causes psychosis?

There is no one cause of psychosis. Psychosis appears to result from a complex combination of genetic risk, differences in brain development, and exposure to stressors or trauma. Psychosis may be a symptom of a mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. However, a person can experience psychosis and never be diagnosed with schizophrenia or any other disorder.

For older adults, psychosis symptoms can be part of a physical or mental illness that emerges later in life. Psychosis can also be a symptom of some diseases of older age, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and related dementias.

Other possible causes of psychosis include sleep deprivation, certain prescription medications, and the misuse of alcohol or drugs. A mental illness, such as schizophrenia, is typically diagnosed by excluding these other causes.

A qualified mental health professional (such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker) can provide a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis. Find tips to help prepare for and get the most out of your visit. For additional resources, including questions to ask your health care provider, visit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality .

How is psychosis treated?

Studies have shown that it is common for a person to have psychotic symptoms for more than a year before receiving treatment. Reducing this duration of untreated psychosis is critical because early treatment often means better recovery. A qualified psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker can make a diagnosis and help develop a treatment plan.

Treatment of psychosis usually includes antipsychotic medication. There are several different types of antipsychotic medications, and they have different side effects, so it is important to work with a health care provider to determine the medication that is most effective with the fewest side effects.

Treatment also often includes other elements. There is substantial research support for coordinated specialty care, which is a multi-element, recovery-oriented team approach to treating psychosis that promotes easy access to care and shared decision-making among specialists, the person experiencing psychosis, and family members. People experience better outcomes from coordinated specialty care if they begin treatment as soon as possible after psychotic symptoms emerge.

Coordinated specialty care is now the standard of care for early psychosis, according to " The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Schizophrenia ."

NIMH research on coordinated specialty care

The Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) research project, supported by NIMH, established coordinated specialty care as an effective treatment for early psychosis and identified important elements for helping people lead productive, independent lives. Learn more about the RAISE studies.

NIMH continues to prioritize research on and expansion of treatments for early psychosis with the launch of the Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) in 2019. Through EPINET, NIMH funded awards to establish a national data coordinating center and regional scientific hubs connected to more than 100 coordinated specialty care programs that provide early psychosis treatment in 17 states. The EPINET website provides resources for researchers, health care providers, administrators, and people experiencing psychosis and their families.

Coordinated specialty care consists of multiple components:

Individual or group psychotherapy is tailored to a person's recovery goals. Cognitive and behavioral therapies focus on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to build resilience and cope with aspects of psychosis while maintaining and achieving personal goals.

Family support and education programs teach family members about psychosis as well as coping, communication, and problem-solving skills. Family members who are informed and involved are more prepared to help loved ones through the recovery process.

Medication management (also called pharmacotherapy) means tailoring medication to a person's specific needs by selecting the appropriate type and dose of medication to help reduce psychosis symptoms. Like all medications, antipsychotic medications have risks and benefits. People should talk with a health care provider about side effects, medication costs, and dosage preferences (daily pill or monthly injection).

Supported employment and education services focus on return to work or school, using the support of a coach to help people achieve their goals.

Case management provides opportunities for people with psychosis to work with a case manager to address practical problems and improve access to needed support services.

Learn more about the components of coordinated specialty care.

People with psychosis should be involved in their treatment planning and consulted in making decisions about their care. Their needs and goals should drive the treatment programs, which will help them stay engaged throughout the recovery process.

It is important to find a mental health professional who is trained in psychosis treatment and who makes the person feel comfortable. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it is possible to recover from psychosis. Some people who receive early treatment never have another psychotic episode. For other people, recovery means the ability to lead a fulfilling and productive life, even if psychotic symptoms sometimes return.

Clinical trials studying psychosis and related disorders

NIMH supports a wide range of research, including clinical trials that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions, such as psychosis and disorders that involve psychosis (like schizophrenia). The goal of a clinical trial is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although people may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, they should know that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others can be better helped in the future.

Researchers at NIMH and around the country conduct clinical trials with people experiencing psychosis and healthy volunteers. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you. Learn more about  participating in clinical trials.

How can I find help?

NIMH does not endorse specific psychosis clinics or evaluate individual practitioners' professional qualifications or competencies. However, several organizations are available to assist in finding a treatment program in your area. The following is not a comprehensive list of all programs, and a program's inclusion on the list does not constitute an endorsement by NIMH.

Reprints

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy images. Please cite the National Institute of Mental Health as the source. Read our copyright policy to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content.

For more information

MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) ( en español )
ClinicalTrials.gov ( en español )
National Institutes of Health
NIH Publication No. 23-MH-8110

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This fact sheet presents information on psychosis including causes, signs and symptoms, treatment, and resources for help.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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