A Ghanaian psychiatrist has warned that mental health conditions among children and adolescents remain a significant concern, with increasing awareness driving more families to seek help.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Showon Thursday (14 May) as part of Mental Health Awareness Month activities, Dr Frank Frimpong said while the issue has long existed, improved awareness is making it more visible.

“It has always been serious. However, now due to more awareness, people are able to identify these issues and seek help,” he said.

Frimpong cited current estimates indicating that about 17 percent of children and adolescents experience depression, while 13 percent face anxiety disorders.

He added that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects between three and seven percent, with bipolar disorder recorded at about one to two percent.

According to him, hospitals are seeing a noticeable increase in young patients, though this may reflect both rising cases and improved help-seeking behaviour.

The psychiatrist urged parents and caregivers to pay close attention to behavioural changes that may signal underlying mental health challenges.

He said a major red flag is a decline in a child’s functioning — including poor academic performance, withdrawal from social interaction, or reduced participation in daily activities.

“Whenever there is a significant reduction in how a child functions… then we should be asking questions and seek help,” he said.

Other signs include irritability, excessive sleep, loss of interest in routine activities and, in younger children, persistent crying or feeding difficulties.

Frimpong noted that academic pressure and high expectations can contribute to emotional stress, potentially triggering conditions such as anxiety and depression.

He said the relationship works both ways, with mental health challenges also affecting a child’s academic performance.

He warned that untreated mental health conditions can have serious long-term consequences, including increased risk of suicide.

“If they are not identified early… we may lose them,” he said.

He added that prolonged mental health issues in childhood could lead to more severe conditions later in life, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or antisocial behaviour.

Frimpong said digital platforms and artificial intelligence tools are improving access to mental health information and services, including telemedicine support.

However, he cautioned that excessive screen time and exposure to harmful or misleading online content could worsen mental health outcomes.

“Many apps are designed to keep users glued… addiction slowly creeps in,” he said.

The psychiatrist advocated for the inclusion of mental health education in school curricula at all levels, from early childhood to secondary education.

He also urged religious institutions to support awareness efforts, citing their wide reach in Ghanaian society.

Frimpong encouraged parents to create open environments where children feel safe to share their concerns and to seek professional help when needed.

He highlighted available support systems, including mental health services at hospitals and a toll-free helpline:

He stressed that early intervention remains critical to protecting children’s well-being and preventing long-term complications.