Do signs and symptoms of major mental illnesses in children always look the same as in adults?

The signs and symptoms of major mental illnesses in children do not always look the same as in adults due to developmental differences, variations in cognitive and emotional maturity, and the ways children express distress. For instance, a child with depression may exhibit irritability, changes in behavior, or difficulty in school, which can be different from an adult, who might show more classic symptoms like persistent sadness or hopelessness.

Additionally, children's expressions of mental health issues can be influenced by their stage of development, their social skills, and their ability to communicate feelings. They might display physical symptoms or externalize their distress through behavioral problems rather than through verbalizing feelings, making it crucial to consider these differences when diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children.

While symptoms may vary contextually and culturally, the fundamental point is that the manifestation of mental illnesses is not uniform across different age groups, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches in understanding and addressing mental health in children versus adults.