Question 1

What conditions does child and adolescent psychiatry treat?

Accepted Answer

Child and adolescent psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health conditions in young people, including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), autism spectrum-related mental health concerns, behavioural disorders, eating disorders, and trauma-related conditions. They combine medical training with an understanding of child development, allowing them to distinguish between typical developmental behaviour and conditions genuinely needing treatment, and to prescribe medication when appropriate alongside therapy.

Question 2

When should parents seek a child psychiatry evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Consider an evaluation if your child or teen shows persistent changes in mood, behaviour, sleep or appetite lasting more than a couple of weeks, withdrawal from friends and activities they used to enjoy, declining school performance, difficulty concentrating that interferes with daily life, or any talk of self-harm or hopelessness, which should always be taken seriously and addressed promptly. Trust your instincts as a parent; if something feels persistently different about your child's emotional wellbeing, it's worth a professional evaluation.

Question 3

How is ADHD diagnosed in children?

Accepted Answer

ADHD diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation, including detailed history from parents and teachers about the child's attention, activity level and impulse control across different settings, standardised behaviour rating scales, and ruling out other conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or learning difficulties. There's no single blood test or scan that diagnoses ADHD; instead, it relies on this pattern of symptoms being present in multiple settings and significantly affecting the child's functioning, consistent with established diagnostic criteria.

Question 4

What treatment options are available for anxiety and depression in teenagers?

Accepted Answer

Treatment typically starts with evidence-based talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps teens identify and change unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns. For moderate to severe cases, medication, most commonly certain antidepressants specifically studied and approved for use in young people, may be added alongside therapy. Family involvement and school coordination are often important parts of treatment. Your child psychiatrist will recommend an approach based on the severity of symptoms and your teen's specific needs.

Question 5

What should I do if my child talks about self-harm or suicide?

Accepted Answer

Take any mention of self-harm or suicide seriously, even if it seems like it might be an exaggeration or a bid for attention. Stay calm, listen without judgment, and avoid dismissing their feelings. Remove access to potential means of self-harm where possible, and seek an urgent evaluation from a mental health professional or, if there is immediate danger, go to the nearest emergency department or call a crisis helpline right away. Open, non-judgmental communication and prompt professional support are essential; this is a sensitive topic, and if your family is going through this, please don't hesitate to reach out to us so we can help you find the right support and resources.

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry