Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a behavior disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and sometimes, hyperactivity.

Asperger’s syndrome a form of autism often characterized by higher than average intellectual ability along with impaired social skills and restrictive, repetitive patterns of interest and activities. Unlike autism, Asperger’s Disorder typically does not involve a speech delay. Children with Asperger’s Disorder frequently have motor skill delays and may appear clumsy or awkward.

Autism spectrum disorder a group of complex disorders typically involving impairments to a child’s ability to communicate, learn and interact. Children on the autism spectrum typically have repetitive behaviors, and some have an intellectual disability and trouble focusing.

Behavioral health is the study and treatment of mental illnesses, such as major depression and social anxiety disorder, developmental disorders such as autism and intellectual disabilities, and behaviors that affect physical, emotional or mental wellbeing. Behaviors studied and treated include drug or alcohol abuse, difficulties adjusting to stress or trauma, and behaviors that interfere with managing medical illnesses.

Behavioral health includes examples such as treating a child with diabetes who has anxiety about taking their insulin shots and treating the child struggling with significant mood shifts as a result of bipolar disorder. It also includes mental illnesses, substance abuse, eating disorders and any type of addiction.

Bipolar Disorder a chronic mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to think clearly. Children and adolescents with bipolar disorder have high and low moods, known as mania and depression, and they can often cycle from one mood to another in a much shorter time compared to adults with bipolar disorder.

Developmental disorder a group of conditions occurring as a result of deficits in brain development that can affect learning, language and behavior and the functioning of organs beside the brain. Developmental disorders typically begin before birth and last throughout a person’s life.

Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive, ongoing anxiety that interferes with day-to-day life. A young person with Generalized anxiety disorder often contends with restlessness, fatigue and irritability, and he or she may be perfectionistic and overly self-critical.

Major Depression known also as clinical depression or major depressive disorder, it is the more severe form of depression with depressed and/or irritable mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. During this time, the young person has a decrease in energy, motivation, concentration, and ability to enjoy things, and can have changes in sleep and appetite. Low self-esteem, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors can occur with depression. Major depression does not go away after events change.

Mental illness is a brain disorder that affects how a person thinks and feels and often affects how he or she relates to others. Some mental illnesses can be diagnosed in young children, such as anxiety disorders; while others, such as schizophrenia, typically are not diagnosed until adolescence or beyond. Certain developmental disorders, such as autism, are brain disorders sometimes considered mental illness.

Mental illness includes depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disruptive behavioral disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Mood Disorder a category of mental disorders in which the underlying problem primarily affects a person’s persistent emotional state. Mood disorders include major depression, bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which involves a depressed mood during seasons when there is the least amount of daylight.

Oppositional Defiant disorder a condition in which a child displays an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, hostile, and annoying behavior toward authority figures. The child’s behavior often disrupts his or her daily activities, including activities within the family and at school.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a mental health condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing a major traumatic event, causing the person to feel distress even when he or she is no longer in danger. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety.

Schizophrenia a complex mental health disorder that involves a severe, chronic, and disabling disturbance of the brain. A person typically experiences distorted thoughts and a disconnection from reality which usually includes hallucinations and delusional thinking.