Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

What is the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and What Diseases Does It Cover?

The Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is a medical specialty that deals with the mental health and behavioral problems of children and adolescents. This department examines the mental, emotional and behavioral development of individuals between the ages of 0-18 and diagnoses and treats problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 16% of adolescents between the ages of 10-19 worldwide are affected by mental health problems, which is an important data to emphasize the importance of the subject.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry plays a vital role in protecting and improving the mental health of young people. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to preventing more serious problems in the future and ensuring healthy development of children. It is important for parents and educators to be alert to possible mental health problems in children and to seek professional help when necessary.

About the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

The Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provides services to support the healthy psychological development of children and adolescents and to detect possible mental disorders at an early stage. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), early intervention and treatment are critical in preventing the progression of mental problems and improving quality of life.

This department takes a multidisciplinary approach and works collaboratively with psychologists, social workers, special education teachers and other health professionals.

Who is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and What Are Their Duties?

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry specialists are physicians who have completed their specialization training in psychiatry after graduating from medical school and then received subspecialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry.

• Diagnosis and evaluation
• Creating a treatment plan
• Psychotherapy applications
• Medication management
• Family counseling
• Cooperation with school and social environment

What Diseases Does Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Cover?

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry covers a wide spectrum of mental and behavioral disorders.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Eating Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Conduct Disorders
• Sleep Disorders

What are Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Examinations?

The main examination methods of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, which includes a comprehensive evaluation process, are as follows:

• Clinical Interview: Detailed interview with the child/adolescent and family.
• Psychometric Tests: Intelligence tests, personality inventories, neuropsychological tests.
• Observation: Observation in a play therapy room or natural environment.
• Physical Examination: Including neurological examination when necessary.
• Laboratory Tests: Hormonal and genetic tests.
• Imaging Methods: Advanced examinations such as MRI and EEG.

What Methods Are Used in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Treatments?

Treatment methods are determined according to the patient's age, diagnosis and individual needs.

• Psychotherapy: Methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Family Therapy help children and adolescents change their thinking and behavioral patterns.
• Medication: Medications are used to relieve the symptoms of certain psychiatric disorders. Antidepressants may be used to treat depression and anxiety, anxiolytics for anxiety disorders, and stimulants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Psychosocial Interventions: Social skills training and school-based interventions aim to improve the social skills of children and adolescents and help them adapt better to the school environment. They may include goals such as improving peer relationships and increasing academic achievement.
• Family Education and Counseling: This counseling aims to provide families with the knowledge and skills to understand their child's condition and how to support them. This increases the effectiveness of the treatment process and ensures sustainable recovery in the home environment.
• Group Therapies: These are therapies where children or adolescents experiencing similar problems come together. This method provides social support, reduces feelings of loneliness and offers the opportunity to learn from others.
• Art and Music Therapy: Allows for the expression and processing of emotions through creative activities. These therapies can be especially useful for children who have difficulty expressing their feelings verbally.

What is Done During a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Examination?

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry examinations vary for each patient. However, they usually begin with a preliminary assessment to determine the symptoms and the reason for application. Then, the patient's developmental, medical and family history is taken. A mental status examination, in which mood and thought content are determined, is also an important step. In some cases, physical and neurological examinations are also required. After a psychometric evaluation with tests and scales, the family or caregiver is interviewed. Examining teacher reports and academic performance evaluations can also provide useful information during the examination.

When Should You Go to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department?

It is recommended to consult the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry department in the following cases:

• Symptoms of persistent and intense emotional distress
• Sudden decline in school performance
• Social isolation or relationship problems
• Aggressive or self-harming behavior
• Significant changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Signs of developmental delay
• Adjustment problems following a traumatic event
• Suspicion of substance use
• Learning Disorder
• Autism and developmental disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)