It is defined as mental and emotional problems that most often occur and are diagnosed when children are school aged or younger. Usually, symptoms start during infancy or in early childhood, although some of the disorders may develop throughout adolescence i.e., those in the age span that begins with the foetus and extends through adolescence.

Some of the major childhood disorders are:

1. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]

It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviours (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active. Symptoms include limited attention and hyperactivity.

2. Conduct disorder

It's when a child has antisocial behaviour. He or she may disregard basic social standards and rules. He or she may also: Be irresponsible.

3. Autistic disorder

It is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behaviour.

4. Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability is a term used when there are limits to a person's ability to learn at an expected level and function in daily life. Levels of intellectual disability vary greatly in children. The main symptom is difficulty thinking and understanding. Life skills that can be impacted upon include certain conceptual, social and practical skills.

SYMPTOMS

· Hyperactivity

· Short attention span

· Changes in school performance, such as poor grades despite good efforts,

· Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol,

· Inability to cope with daily problems and activities,

· Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits,

· Excessive complaints of physical ailments and defying authority, skipping school, stealing, or damaging property.

· Frequent outbursts of anger

· Nightmares

· Problem in social interaction

· Problem with reading and writing

· Difficulty doing basic mathematical calculations

· Problem performing day-to-day task

· Difficulty in following multiple direction or doing complex tasks

CAUSES

· Genetics and Hereditary factors

· Problem with brain structure and functioning

· Malnutrition

· Dysfunctional family environment

· Environmental factors

· Traumatic experience in childhood

· Complications at time of birth

TREATMENT

· Medications: include antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, stimulants, and mood stabilizing drugs.

· Psychotherapies: Types of psychotherapy often used with children are supportive, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, group, and family therapy.

· Creative therapies: Certain therapies, such as art therapy or play therapy, might be helpful, especially with young children who might have trouble communicating their thoughts and feelings.

· Psychoeducation