Common Disorders
It’s easy to know when your child has a cold or fever. However, a child’s mental health issue may be harder to identify and deal with. But one can learn to recognize the symptoms. Anger, fear, sadness, anxiety or any other sudden changes in your child’s behavior can signify a problem. And in many cases, a child psychiatrist or mental health professional with specific training geared towards children can help steer the patient towards a healthier outlook.
What are some common mental health problems in children?
Common mental health problems in children are:
How does the child/adolescent psychiatrist treat their patients?
The child/adolescent psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders or behaviors that affect children, adolescents and their families. This professional can provide biological, psychological and social education with patients. Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive diagnostic examination to evaluate the problem with a focus on its physical, genetic, developmental, emotional, cognitive, educational, family and social components. Once a diagnosis is developed, then a treatment plan is designed. The provider discusses recommendations with the patient and family.
An integrated approach involves individual, group or family psychotherapy, medication and collaboration with other doctors or school professionals, social agencies or other community organizations. The child psychiatrist can also act as an advocate for the child or teen.