Mental Health

Promoting Positive Adolescent Health Behaviors and Outcomes: Thriving in the 21st Century identifies key program factors that can improve health outcomes related to adolescent behavior and provides evidence-based recommendations toward effective implementation of federal programming initiatives. This study explores normative adolescent development, the current landscape of adolescent risk behavior, core components of effective programs focused on optimal health, and recommendations for research, programs, and policies.

This webpage from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides YRBSS results reports, including high school and middle school reports and fact sheets. 

This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report provides data summary and trend information on varying topics, including sexual behavior, high risk substance use, violence victimization, mental health and suicide, and minority youth.

This report describes the differences between the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria that could affect national estimates of childhood serious emotional disturbance. The report also provides a description of DSM-5 updates that have been made, or are being made, to existing diagnostic instruments and screeners of childhood emotional and behavioral health. 

This web section explains the five domains of adolescent development and the changes that are a normal and necessary part of adolescence. It also describes different ways that adolescents experience these changes, how adults can respond in supportive ways, and how to seek professional help if needed.