Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, or a combination of any or all of these. Abuse can also be neglect, which is when parents or guardians do not take care of the basic needs of the children who depend on them. Bullying is also a form of abusive behaviour. Bullying someone through intimidation, threats, or humiliation can be just as abusive as physically beating someone.

These disorders involve persistent feelings of sadness and/or rapidly changing moods, and include depression and bipolar disorder.

Children or adolescents with anxiety disorders respond to certain things or situations with fear and dread, as well as with physical signs of anxiety (nervousness), such as a rapid heartbeat and sweating.

Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating, can’t seem to follow directions, and are easily bored and/or frustrated with tasks. These children also tend to move constantly and are impulsive (do not think before they act).

Children with these disorders tend to defy rules and are often disruptive in structured environments, such as school.

Eating disorders involve intense emotions and attitudes, as well as unusual behaviours associated with weight and/or food.

These disorders affect behaviour related to using the bathroom. Enuresis, or bed-wetting, is the most common of the elimination disorders.

This disorder is characterized by below-average intelligence or mental ability and a lack of skills necessary for day-to-day living. Children/adolescents with intellectual disabilities can and do learn new skills, but they learn them at a slower pace. There are varying degrees of intellectual disability, from mild to profound.

Children with these disorders are confused in their thinking and generally have problems understanding the world around them.

This disorder involves distorted perceptions and thoughts. Children as young as 6 years of age can be found to have all the symptoms of schizophrenia as their adult counterparts and to continue to have those symptoms into adulthood.

Suicidal thoughts/attempts are generally associated with depression; however, it seems to have associations with other mental disorders (E.g. Substance abuse), traumatic life events and family events, all of which may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts/attempts. Suicide and suicidal behaviour are never normal responses to stress. A suicide attempt or suicidal thoughts must always be taken seriously. Without intervention and proper treatment, a child/adolescent who has attempted suicide before or is thinking about attempting suicide, is at a greater risk of harming themselves.