FAQs About Child Psychiatry

Child psychiatry focuses on treating and managing childhood mental health disorders. Early treatment can help minimize your child’s symptoms. This improves their quality of life in the present and sets them up for a fulfilling adulthood.

Answers to frequently asked questions from child psychiatrists

Finding the right psychiatrist can seem daunting and bring up many questions. For example, it is important to consider the symptoms, their severity, and the child’s preferences should be considered in addition to the child psychiatrist’s qualifications and approach. To help parents navigate this time, here are some of the most common questions about child psychiatry and their answers.

When do you need to take your child to a psychiatrist?

Children go through many phases, many of which do not indicate a psychiatric disorder. Therefore, it can be challenging for parents to discern if the child is going through a phase or something else. Generally, if the child’s symptoms persist for two or more weeks and interfere with the child’s life, it is best to consult a psychiatrist. Common warning signs of mental disorders in children include:

• Sadness
• Impulsivity
• Insomnia
• Outburst
• Hyperactivity
• Trouble concentrating
• Extreme irritability
• Anxiety-driven behaviors
• Changes in sleeping patterns and diet
• Always sick (e.g., frequent headaches and stomachaches)
• Lowered grades or missed school days
• Self-isolation from friends and family
• Self-harm cuts or scars
• Talking about death and suicide

What causes mental illness in children?

There is no definitive cause of mental health disorders in children or adults. A person may develop a mental illness due to a combination of factors, such as biology (chemical imbalances in the brain), genetics, environmental stress, and trauma. Please note that just because a parent has depression does not mean the child will develop it; the child will simply be at a higher risk for developing depression.

What are common childhood mental health disorders?

Perhaps the most well-known mental health disorder among children is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Eating disorders and anxiety disorders are also common, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If the child experiences trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often develops as a result. Major depressive disorder and other mood disorders are also common. Autism spectrum disorder is common as well, with children typically showing signs before they turn three years old. On the other hand, schizophrenia tends to show up in the late teens or mid to late 20s.

How are mental disorders in children treated?

Most childhood mental disorders are treated with a combination of psychotherapy and psychiatric medication. Psychotherapy includes talk therapy and behavioral therapy, which are known to be bolstered with prescription medication. Common medications used in child psychiatry include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram, and paroxetine.
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Duloxetine and venlafaxine.
• Stimulants: Amphetamines and methylphenidate.
• Alpha-2A adrenergic agonist: Guanfacine, clonidine, and atomoxetine.
• Atypical antipsychotic agents: Aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone.

Depending on the severity of the child’s symptoms, these medications may be used short- or long-term.

What questions do child psychiatrists ask children?

Child psychiatry treats patients up to age 18. With this wide age range, psychiatrists tailor their questions to match the maturity level of the patient. A psychiatric assessment will focus on the child’s thoughts, feelings, and relationships to uncover their mental state. As such, the child may have to answer questions about their school life, friends, and family. The child psychiatrist will also ask questions to uncover any symptoms of mental health disorders, such as whether they have much trouble focusing or feel overwhelmingly sad or anxious.

Why is it important to treat mental illness in children?

Treating a child’s mental health disorder is key to their well-being. With treatment, the child can find relief from distressing symptoms and return to normal activities. Early mental health treatment can also make for a more fulfilling adolescence and adulthood. A mental health disorder is likely to progress if left untreated, potentially following them into adulthood and becoming harder to treat. In the worst cases, untreated mental disorders can result in risky behavior, drug use, violence, self-harm, or suicide.

Can a child recover from mental illness?

Yes, many children fully recover from mental illness with professional help. The earlier treatment begins, the easier and more effective it will be. While some disorders are lifelong and disabling, psychiatric treatment can help children manage their disabilities and live happy lives.

Set your child up for a successful future

Child psychiatry aims to help children manage disabling mental health disorders. If your child is struggling, a psychiatrist can support them through this trying time. Book an appointment for more information.

Request an appointment here: https://nycpsychiatricassociates.com or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at (917) 391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.

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