What are the signs that a child needs a psychiatrist or needs to avail of pediatric psychiatry services? We’ll name some important symptoms to watch out for below, but it’s generally about what you observe and how you feel as a parent or guardian. You want the best for your children, especially when they’re teenagers exploring who they are and how independent they can be.
Parents or guardians will often notice if something’s wrong with their child. If your teen breaks their arm, you’ll likely go right to the hospital emergency room. Where do you go if the same teen is expressing anxiety or seems very depressed? It may not be as common for children and teens to go to a psychiatrist, but it’s the right thing to do if they’re experiencing mental health troubles. Searching for a pediatric psychiatrist in Rogers, Arkansas? Reach out to Alleviant Rogers today by calling 479.309.1427 or contacting our team online.
What Are Pediatric Psychiatry Services?
If you’ve been observing consistent signs that your child needs a psychiatrist, you may want to look specifically for a healthcare provider that offers pediatric psychiatry — also called child and adolescent psychiatry. After all, clients of different ages may also have different biological, social, and psychological needs regarding mental health treatment.
To understand a child’s or adolescent’s mental health condition, mental health professionals will often want them to undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This can take several hours or even multiple appointments. Assessments like this often include the following:
- History of the family’s physical health and mental health
- Information on the teen’s health, current treatment plans, or maintenance medications
- Information on the teen’s school habits, friends, and close family relationships
- Interview with the teen, as well as their parents or guardians
- Laboratory exams, such as blood tests or X-rays
- Overview of current concerns, problems, and symptoms
A pediatric psychiatrist or a facility offering pediatric psychiatry services may also request permission from the parents or guardians of a teen so they can contact the teen’s teachers, family physician, relatives, or other relevant individuals. From there, the pediatric psychiatrist can make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan, including prescribed medications.
What Are the Signs a Child or Teen Needs a Psychiatrist?
Before contacting a mental health professional, you must observe and note down the signs that your teen needs a psychiatrist’s help — such as the following:
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits: Sleeping too much or not at all is a red flag. New eating habits can signal depression, anxiety, or an eating disorder.
- Destructive behaviors: If your teen engages in repeated destructive behaviors, they must consult with a mental health professional. Self-destructive behaviors include cutting themselves, addictive substance use, and other acts of self-harm.
- Disruptive behaviors: If your teen’s behavior disrupts your family activities or gets them in trouble elsewhere, something more might be happening. Many teens express emotions through negative behaviors. Before you discipline them, think about whether or not having them talk to a mental health professional would be a better solution.
- Extreme feelings of sadness or worry: If a teen seems unusually anxious, irritable, or sad for an extended period and it’s getting in the way of their ability to do things they normally do, it is a good idea to seek professional help.
- Increased physical complaints: Sometimes, mental health issues in teens take the form of physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches. Once you have ruled out any medical issues, your next step may be to consult with a mental health professional.
- Social isolation: Social withdrawal is a sign that something may be wrong. This is especially concerning if this isolating behavior is a big change from their usual personality. It can be a sign of anxiety or depression or even a sign of being bullied or a victim of other forms of abuse or violence.
- Stressful situations: While it’s normal for teens to feel confused, frustrated, or sad during difficult situations, they may not have the adequate coping skills to process these emotions. Life changes and stressful situations can present challenges teens have trouble facing without professional help.
- Talking about death frequently: IIt’snormal for teens to explore the concept of death and talk about it curiously, particularly after the loss of a pet or family member. However, repeated talk about death and dying warrants some exploration. Listen for statements about suicide, self-harm, or thoughts about killing others. This kind of talk signifies that your teen needs immediate mental health help.
When Should You Consider Pediatric Psychiatry Services?
Now that you know how to spot signs that a teen needs a psychiatrist, it should be much easier to figure out whether or not availing of pediatric psychiatry services is a good idea.
Remember that mental illness doesn’t discriminate and can impact any child in any family. There’s shame in seeking professional help and having your teen assessed and diagnosed. Without doing so, you may not identify your tteen’smental health condition — which could be any of the following or worse:
- Anxiety
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Conduct disorder (CD)
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- TTourette’ssyndrome
Mental illness is surprisingly common among children and teens, but cases often go undiagnosed. A recent study found that among more than 7 million children with a treatable mental health disorder, only half have been treated by mental health professionals. Don’t let your teen be part of that statistic — if you think they need to get evaluated and diagnosed, have them consult with a pediatric psychiatrist immediately.
Ready To Learn More About Alleviant RRogers’Pediatric Psychiatry Services?
Contact Alleviant Rogers today if you’re looking for a pediatric psychiatrist in Rogers, Arkansas. Reach out to our team online or call 479.309.1427.