If your child or teen is in need of treatment for one or multiple mental health disorders, a general psychiatrist is a good option. They likely have the experience to provide adequate training, but children and teens often present cases that are much different than those of adults. If you want to ensure the best care possible, a board certified doctor with extensive training is the ideal route to take. They specialize in treating young individuals, and can diagnose and treat their mental health disorders with a level of precision you may not find in a general psychiatrist.
In this blog, we will cover what a child psychiatrist does, common issues they treat, their approach to care, and the signs you should be looking for to determine when to seek treatment.
What Is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist?
Child psychiatrist. Adolescent psychiatrist. However you refer to these specialists, it’s important to know how they differ in approach from other behavioral health professionals. Their training begins with standard psychiatry—namely medical school and residency. From there, however, they go through extensive specialized training in treating children and adolescents. Such training gives them the experience and skills to understand the developmental, biological, and psychological traits that make young people different when it comes to behavioral health.
While we’re on the subject, we’d like to discuss the difference between mental health professionals, as there is often confusion around them.
- Therapists and Counselors: Often have a minimum of master’s degrees, and provide talk therapy and behavioral interventions to address mental disorders.
- Psychologists: Hold masters degrees and can also have doctoral degrees such as a PhD or PsyD. They usually focus on therapy and psychological testing.
- Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who have the ability to provide a full suite of psychological care. They also have the ability to prescribe medications when needed.
To become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) one needs a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctorate in Nursing Practice DNP.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) role is to provide comprehensive mental health care, diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions to children and adults.
- They assess, diagnose, and manage treatment plans, including prescribing medications and providing therapy. PMHNPs also educate patients and families, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and advocate for patients’ mental health needs.
Regardless of the title, providers collaborate closely with all these professionals when necessary to make sure a patient is benefitting from an all-encompassing treatment plan.
Common Issues Treated
While a child psychiatrist is capable of treating a wide range of mental health issues, these are the common ones:
- Anxiety and Depression: Symptoms of this include persistent feelings of sadness, overwhelming worry, and frequent mood changes.
- ADHD and Behavioral Disorders: Broken attention, impulsivity, and general disruptive behavior or lashing out are all examples of these disorders. These can lead to issues in school and relationships.
- Autism Spectrum Disorders: Our psychiatrists help to manage co-occurring symptoms, such as aggression in order to support patients’ social development.
- Trauma and PTSD: Even children can develop PTSD. If they are exposed to trauma, they may have flashbacks or nightmares.
- Substance Use: Substance use early on in life requires special care to help young patients address it.
Approaches to Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to providing psychiatric care to children and adolescents. Every one of them is unique, meaning a specialized method is required from case to case. However, child and adolescent psychiatrists have general methods they follow that serve as a basis for their approach.
- Evaluations and Diagnoses: These evaluations take developmental history, family dynamics, medical backgrounds, and current symptoms into consideration.
- Medication Management: If the need for medication becomes necessary, we will prescribe them and provide proper monitoring. These medications can be effective in addressing mood instability, attention issues, and more.
- Therapy Integration: We often work alongside other professionals like psychologists and therapists to ensure a patient is receiving an adequate level of care across multiple disciplines.
When to Seek Help From a Child Psychiatrist
Parents want what’s best for their children, but unfortunately, some issues are difficult to identify, meaning they often go untreated. Changes in behavior are attributed to simple growing pains, but it’s important to know the signs of deeper issues so you can seek help. If you notice any of the following signs in your child, consider seeking care:
- Sudden mood and behavior changes
- Persistent sadness and withdrawal
- Concentration and learning difficulties
- Tantrums, defiance, and aggression
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Substance abuse
If these issues receive early treatment, outcomes can be significantly improved. This will help your child better manage their emotions while performing well in school and having healthy relationships.
What’s in a Name?
In the case of a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a lot. Because of their specialized training, they can play an important role in the guidance of young individuals who are experiencing mental wellness difficulties. They can identify issues early and help patients and their families foster resilience needed to thrive.There’s no shame in seeking psychiatric help for your child. Reach out to an ABH child psychiatrist today and take that first step towards wellness!