It is tempting to think that the problems of children and young people are not important, simply because we all have gone through similar situations which we have managed to overcome. However, not all children and teenagers are capable of handling the same situations in the same way or have the same strategies to deal with them; many suffer in silence and show types of behaviours that even their own parents are often unable to comprehend. If there is an age at which we really should pay special attention to our children, it is without a doubt adolescence, a transition phase from childhood to adult age which involves a process of change and shaping identity, in order to be prepared to adapt new behaviours and deal with the challenges of being an adolescent.

The most common psychological disorders during childhood and youth are:

CHILDHOOD

  Sleeping disorders (nightmares, night terrors, insomnia).
  Problems with learning.
  Attention deficits and hyperactivity.
  Behavioural problems.
  Bowel control: enuresis and encopresis.
  Disorders related to attention deficits and hyperactivity.

ADOLESCENCE

  Behavioural problems.
  Low self-esteem.
  Disorientation.
  Bullying at school.
  Eating disorders.