Mental health in children and young people : spotting symptoms and seeking help early

Are you worried about your child's state of mind? Concerned that he or she is becoming more irritable, down, isolated, or lacking in appetite?

Mental health disorders in the young have soared in the past 25 years, and one in 10 of those aged 5 - 16 have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem.

This book explains why you shouldn't automatically rationalise concerns as normal childhood or teenage ups and downs, and why you should talk to your child sooner rather than later if you're concerned.

Written by a child psychiatrist, it alerts you to the often subtle early signs and symptoms of common problems such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders, together with accurate, up-to-date and expert advice.

It covers tactful, effective ways to communicate with your child and provides key conversational techniques and communication skills which can be used whether your child is six or 16, cowering behind the bedroom door or sitting right in front of you. Early intervention is key in helping prevent and treat mental illness, so if you think something's wrong, don't explain the warning signs away.

Dr Sarah Vohra says, `Gut instinct is the most undervalued tool you own as a parent.

You can't replicate parental instinct. Some anxiety is always going to be natural for parents, but if your gut is saying `worry', be worried.

Don't try to push it to one side or justify the behaviour.

Make sure you have that first conversation with your child early and seek professional help sooner rather than later.'