Health Topics

Many times, parents are the first to suspect that their child or teen is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental stressors that cause them to act as if they are 'disturbed', rebellious, sad or anxious. Examples may include, but are not limited to, problems involving relationships with friends and/or family members, school, sleeping, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, coping skills, attentiveness, and responsiveness. It is important for families who suspect a problem in one or more of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for mental health disorders is both available and effective.

The following are the most common components of a comprehensive, diagnostic psychiatric evaluation. However, each evaluation is different, as is each child's symptoms and behaviors are different. Evaluation may include the following:

It is natural, and quite common, for a parent to question himself/herself when it becomes necessary for a child or adolescent to be psychiatrically evaluated. Parents may have many questions and concerns as to the welfare and emotional well-being of their child. Common questions parents frequently ask include the following:

• What is wrong with my child?
• Is my child normal vs. behavior normal?
• Will my child "outgrow" these behaviors?
• Is my child is going through a "phase" ?
• Where do I go for help for my child?
• How can my family become involved?
• Will my child require treatment?
• What does this diagnosis mean? (for the future?)
• What options do I have?
• What treatment options are available?
• What will treatment cost?
• Does my child need medication?
• Does my child need to be hospitalized?

If evaluation demonstrates evidence of a mental health disorder, parent and family involvement and active participation in treatment is extremely important as part of treatment. Your child's physician will address your questions and provide reassurance by working with you to establish short-term and long-term treatment goals, additional testing and supportive services for your child.