Child Psychiatry encompasses a wide array of mental health conditions seen in children and adolescents, from anxiety and depression to ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and eating disorders. School often is an environment where mental health challenges first become obvious – with changes in grades or not wanting to attend school at all. Symptoms that should trigger concern can include “acting out” behaviors like disruptiveness in the classroom or angry, oppositional defiance - or reactions that are out of proportion to a situation.
Changes in a child’s mental state can also be more subtle – like loss of pleasure in relationships or activities a child or teen once enjoyed. Mood swings, depression and anxiety are concerning mental conditions, but physical complaints like stomachaches, headaches or loss of appetite can also be how a child’s mental distress manifests. Sleep issues – ranging from problems falling asleep to sleeping more than usual – are sometimes seen too.
More serious symptoms like violence toward people or animals, hearing voices or seeing things that are not there are, of course, obvious causes for concern. Also, if a child or teen is exhibiting low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness – especially with suicidal ideation – crisis intervention is clearly necessary.
Psychiatric evaluation and treatment can be one of the most life-changing steps for a child or teen in emotional distress. Contact us online or call ☎ (773) 594-9944 to schedule an initial consultation.
Pediatric Psychology – commonly known as Child Psychiatry – is a branch of psychiatry focused on the diagnosis, treatment and management of mental health concerns in children and adolescents through the age of 18. Using both psychotherapy and medication, Child Psychiatry encompasses the full range of factors that impact mental health in youth, including:
Child psychiatrists undergo specialized training in child development and treatment approaches specific to the age of the child or adolescent. Child psychiatrists are well versed in understanding the medical, psychological, and social factors that impact the mental health challenges faced by youth.
These pediatric psychiatrists are focused on preventing mental health problems by addressing risk factors early on and promoting a child’s healthy development. Child psychiatrists collaborate closely with other professionals, including therapists and pediatricians, as well as school counselors and teachers, to provide comprehensive care for children and adolescents.
A child psychiatrist seeks to understand behaviors and thinking patterns that may be presenting as problematic and how they are affecting the child or teen, specifically with regard to:
The initial Child Psychiatry evaluation is the very first step taken when entering Child Psychiatry treatment. The initial evaluation will help to diagnose the mental health disorder affecting the child or teen. Children can suffer from many of the same mental health conditions that adults experience – from autism spectrum disorders, depression or anxiety to ADHD, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
The child’s diagnosis may change over time, as the child matures into adolescence and beyond, or as more in-depth treatment reveals additional diagnoses - or as we seem improvement in the condition(s).
Developing a treatment plan is the next step. Based on the initial evaluation, the most effective treatment options can be identified. Psychiatric treatment may involve different types of interventions, using medication and therapy – and play therapy for younger children. Oftentimes, lifestyle modifications like changes to a child’s diet may be helpful.
For children and adolescents, family members have such a tremendous impact on their mental wellness, so family therapy can also play an important role.
A Note about Crisis Stabilization involving Children and Teens: In acute mental health crises, emergency evaluations are usually conducted to assess the immediate risk to the child and others, and to determine the appropriate level and type of psychiatric care needed to stabilize the crisis.
Every psychiatric evaluation is based on the needs of the child or teen being evaluated. Children require a unique approach and a different set of tools than might be used with adolescents or adults. An assessment is typically based on the thought patterns and behaviors the youth is exhibiting, as well as other specific factors at issue.
A comprehensive evaluation is typically required to diagnose behavioral, psychological or developmental disorders in children and adolescents. The most common elements in most pediatric psychiatric assessments include the following:
Interview: A child psychiatrist will generally require a detailed interview to collect information about the immediate concerns, as well as the youth’s medical history, family history, and any prior diagnoses or treatments.
Evaluative Tools: A variety of questionnaires or evaluative testing may be used to further assess the psychiatric condition of the child or teen, including educational assessments or speech and language assessments.
Physical Exam and Medical Testing: One aspect that separates psychiatry from psychology involves a focus on the physiological aspects of mental health. Pediatric psychiatrists may conduct a physical exam to rule out underlying medical conditions that could be compromising mental wellness in a child or adolescent. Medical tests - ranging from blood work or urine analysis to MRIs and CT scans – may be used to assess a child or teen’s physical and mental condition and any connections between the two.
When the patient is a child or adolescent, the initial referral may come from a school, physician’s office, family member, caregiver or institution. The responsible party, usually a parent, will have to authorize treatment. In other cases, where a parent or responsible family member is not involved, a guardian ad litem is appointed by the court.
Once the psychiatric evaluation is complete and an initial diagnosis is made, family involvement and active participation in treatment will be particularly important for any child or teen in psychiatric treatment. The primary psychiatric provider will be able to address questions as long-term and short-term treatment goals are developed.
It is essential to initiate psychiatric treatment for troubled children and teens as soon as the need for intervention becomes evident. The first step is the initial psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis, which allows us to develop a treatment plan. Call ☎ (773) 594-9944 or contact us online for an initial Child Psychiatry consultation.
