Children and Young People’s Mental Health Training

Course content

1Introduction

The course opens by defining mental health and exploring what is meant by mental ill health. It also explains the subtle differences between mental health problems and mental illness.

You’ll be introduced to the impact of mental disorders in children and young people, their prevalence and the mental health continuum.

2Mental Illnesses in Children and Young Adults: Part 1

This chapter begins with an in-depth look of the most common mental illnesses found in children and young adults.

Starting with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you’ll hear about the prevalence of the condition, how it can be recognised and how it may affect children in schools. The differences between how the condition presents in girls and boys are explained, and information about the signs and symptoms you may witness is given.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder is explained next, and you’ll hear about how to support a child who has this disorder. You’ll learn about the different physical and emotional symptoms that may present, and the ways the condition can impact a child. The different types of anxiety disorder are explained along with the treatments that can help improve the condition.

This section concludes with an explanation of Depression and how and why it may affect children and young people. The differences between Major Depression and Dysthymia are explained, and the symptoms a child or young person may display are explored.

3Mental Illnesses in Children and Young Adults: Part 2

In this next chapter, you’ll continue to learn about the common mental illnesses affecting children and young people.

Self-Harm is explained and you’ll find out about why children may self-harm, and the other conditions they may have alongside self-harming.

Eating Disorders are summarised, and you’ll learn about the 3 main types of eating disorder – Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating. You’ll explore when and why each type of eating disorder may start, and the symptoms each condition may include.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is explained next and you’ll hear explanations about how it can vary in severity, the characteristics of an autistic child, and the autistic symptoms that you may see when working with children.

4Mental Illnesses in Children and Young Adults: Part 3

As you continue to learn about the common mental illnesses found in children and young adults, you’ll hear about learning disabilities and how children with these conditions may also suffer from mental health issues.

Schizophrenia is covered next, with the common signs and symptoms explained, and the differences between the condition in children and adults examined.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is summarised, and you’ll find out about possible causes of this condition and coping strategies.

An exploration of Bipolar Disorder comes next in this chapter, and the course will explain the signs and symptoms a child may display during manic and depressive episodes.

To conclude this section, you’ll hear a summary of other mental illnesses found in children and young adults including panic disorder, social phobia, PANs, and PANDAs.