A) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors;

(B) An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers;

(C) Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances;

(D) A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression; or

(E) A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.

The only real way to know if a child has serious emotional problems is to have him see a professional and be evaluated.

So many times a child really doesn’t have any serious emotional disturbance. They just have behavior issues because of some little thing a parent isn’t doing. Some of the children on Super Nanny (the tv show) look like they’re insane until Super Nanny comes in and gives the parents a few pointers on how to make simple changes.

People need to be careful about making guesses about serious emotional disturbances. Only professionals who have seen the child can make that judgment, and even then sometimes they don’t get it right.