Parenting is a world of full surprises, though it is amazing, with countless joys and moments of worry that may also come. Many children experience ups and downs in their feelings and behaviour as they grow up. It can be confusing and concerning if you notice that your child is struggling emotionally or behaviorally. You may wonder where to start or how to get help. A child psychiatrist can help you find the cause of your child’s emotional or behavioural change or distress.
Who is a Child Psychiatrist?
A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialising in the mental health of children and adolescents. They complete a four-year medical degree followed by residency training in psychiatry, with an additional focus on child and adolescent development. A child psychiatrist has specialised training that helps them to understand young people’s unique emotional, social, and cognitive needs. They are equipped with all the valuable resources for navigating these challenges and supporting your child’s mental health.
Why Consider a Child Psychiatrist?
Some children may experience a diverse array of mental health issues similar to those experienced by adults. Although, in many cases, thoughtful care from family, friends and your child’s school can help to resolve these issues. However, for more serious or persistent mental health issues, you need to see a professional who can help. Your GP or healthcare provider may also recommend that your child see a psychiatrist if:
- They face a struggle to complete daily tasks or to enjoy themselves.
- They are likely to need medication as part of their treatment.
- They require admission to the hospital.
- They have delusions (fixed ideas that are not true) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
- They express suicidal ideas or have self-harmed.
- They have complex or special needs that require a doctors and a team of other professionals.
- They have persistent problems even getting help from other mental health professionals.
Getting help from a psychiatrist is a positive step toward the recovery of your child. Although it is challenging for some parents, it will give the best chance to turn your child’s life back to normal. The earlier you get the right help, the sooner your child will feel better.
What Mental Issues Can a Child Psychiatrist Help?
Child psychiatrists are expert doctors in the mental health of children. They can help children and their families to manage a wide range of mental health conditions, such as:
Mood disorders: Anxiety, depression, self-harming, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder that impact a child’s well-being, affecting their sleep, appetite, and ability to cope with daily life.
Eating disorders: Eating disorders trigger a cascade of negative effects, impacting both physical health and emotional stability. Early intervention by a child psychiatrist is crucial.
Behavioural issues: Excessive aggression, tantrums, defiance, autism spectrum disorders, and disruptive behaviour in school can all be signs of underlying emotional difficulties.
Trauma: Children who have been through traumatic events may show symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or nightmares. A child psychiatrist can provide specialised treatment to help them heal and cope.
(ADHD)Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: ADHD can cause difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. A child psychiatrist can assess for ADHD and develop a comprehensive management plan.
Learning difficulties: Learning disabilities like dyslexia or dyscalculia can frustrate children. A child psychiatrist can work alongside other professionals to develop strategies to support learning.
Substance use: A child psychiatrist can help children or teenagers who misuse alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications. They guide both the child and their family and lead them on the way to recovery.
How Can a Child Psychiatrist Help?
Child psychiatrists take a comprehensive approach to help and support your child’s mental health. They can find out the cause of your child’s emotional or mental health issues that impact their health and social life.
Diagnosis: A child psychiatrist can start with detailed conversations or interviews to diagnose the underlying mental health issue. It helps them to figure out the cause and plan your child’s treatment.
Medication management: A child psychiatrist can prescribe medications, if necessary, that help your child’s specific needs.
Therapy: They may provide individual therapy techniques tailored to your child’s specific challenges, helping them develop coping mechanisms and improve emotional health.
Family therapy: They involve parents or caregivers in therapy sessions, which will facilitate the recovery.
Collaboration: Child psychiatrists often collaborate with other professionals involved in your child’s care, such as teachers, therapists, and paediatricians, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.
What Treatments Are Used in Child Psychiatry?
Child psychiatrists can use various treatments to help you and your child navigate the emotional challenges or mental health issues.
Psychological Treatment
Psychotherapy, also known as talking therapy, is the most common treatment used in child psychiatry. Various types of therapies are used, some of which are:
1-Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
It is one of the most popular talking therapies that can help to change distressing thoughts, feelings and behaviours with positive ones.
2-Psychodynamic therapy
It is a talking, play or art-based therapy that explores unconscious processes and past experiences to understand present-day emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.
3-Family therapy
It includes family members coming to sit together to identify issues and resolve problems. They also learn new skills to communicate better with one another and cope with issues.
Medication
A child psychiatrist may prescribe medication for some conditions to manage symptoms. It helps your child get back to their everyday activities. They are experts at managing medication, side effects, and interactions.
What Ages Can Child Psychiatrists Treat?
Child psychiatrists can treat patients aged from birth to early adulthood. They will mainly work with parents and caregivers for young children. However, the psychiatrist may work with the young person directly as well as the family if older children and adolescents need help.
How to Prepare Your Child to See a Psychiatrist?
It may be challenging for parents to prepare their child to visit a psychiatrist. This could be made easy by explaining to them what is going to happen at the appointment. Your child will feel more comfortable and able to express themselves openly. Here are some ideas you can use to talk about with your child:
- Tell them they have a chance to speak about their feelings and concerns openly, and ask questions.
- They won’t be ‘in trouble’ for anything they say and express their feelings without any fear.
- They make a decision aboutany treatment that is suggested.
- Tell them you, as a parent, may be involved in some or all of the treatment.
What to Expect at an Appointment?
The first appointment is called an ‘assessment’, which involves gathering information about your child’s history, symptoms, and family environment. Your child may also be involved in the conversation depending on age and comfort level. However, your psychiatrist is likely to see you and your child together at first. After this, separate appointments may be scheduled so that each person can express their views openly without worrying about each other’s reactions. The psychiatrist may also ask you to bring in other information to assist them in making a diagnosis, such as blood test results, other medical scans, or school reports. At the end of the assessment, the child psychiatrist will create an individualised treatment strategy, incorporating therapy, medication, or a blend of both. They make sure everyone is brought together to agree on a treatment plan.
