When many people think of a psychiatrist, they envision severe mental health issues or suicidal ideation. However, a pediatric psychiatrist can help treat and diagnose several disorders, and many children can benefit from such services. According to the World Health Organization, 10% of children and adolescents worldwide have mental health disorders. These range from social phobias to anxiety to more severe mental health disorders. As a parent, watch for these signs that it’s time for your child to visit a pediatric psychiatrist.
1. Withdrawn Behavior
Children often find it challenging to articulate their feelings appropriately. A child may withdraw to their room because they need personal space. However, consistent withdrawn behavior can be a symptom of an underlying issue, such as social anxiety or depression. A professional psychiatrist can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of this behavior.
2. Developmental Delays
A psychiatrist specializes in various areas, including a wide range of disorders that result in developmental delays. A psychiatrist can often accurately diagnose multiple disorders on the spectrum. These professionals can also help accurately manage medication. Many parents choose to work with a psychiatrist for medication management due to their wide range of knowledge regarding these disorders.
3. Poor Coping Skills
It’s common for young children to have a low frustration tolerance. However, many children develop more appropriate coping skills as they get older. If your child has poor coping skills, working with a pediatric psychiatrist is essential. Methods like cognitive behavioral therapy can help little ones learn how to deal with stress and disappointment healthily. These necessary skills can last them a lifetime.
4. Traumatic Experience
Seeking professional help after a traumatic experience can help children gain valuable insight into the life-changing event they’ve experienced. Professionals can keep an eye out for symptoms of PTSD, help children learn to process the events that have happened, and more. This is a beautiful way to help minimize the impact of a traumatic experience. Professional psychiatrists can also prescribe medication to help reduce the side effects of symptoms like anxiety to make it easier to cope with events.
Pediatric psychiatrists offer a wide range of treatment options for various mental health concerns. Every patient receives a thorough evaluation and individualized treatment plan to ensure optimal results. If you think your child may need to see a pediatric psychiatrist, contact Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry today to schedule an appointment.
