Child and Adolescent Psychiatry focuses on diagnosing and treating emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues in children and teenagers. Treatment is personalized based on the child’s age, symptoms, family environment, and school/social functioning.

Common Conditions Treated

• ADHD

• Anxiety & depression

• Autism spectrum disorders

• Behavioral problems (anger, aggression)

• Learning difficulties

• Mood disorders

• Trauma & stress-related disorders

• Eating disorders

Core Treatment Approaches

1. Psychological Therapies

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps children manage negative thoughts, anxiety, and behavior.

• Play Therapy: Useful for younger children to express feelings through play.

• Family Therapy: Improves family communication and support.

• Behavioral Therapy: Teaches coping skills, routines, and positive reinforcement.

2. Medication (when needed)

Prescribed carefully only when symptoms are moderate–severe or affect daily functioning.
Common medicines:

• ADHD: stimulants, non-stimulants

• Depression/anxiety: SSRIs

• Severe aggression/mood issues: mood stabilizers or atypical antipsychotics

Always used with therapy, not alone.

3. School-Based Support

• Individual education plans (IEPs)

• Learning assessments

• Teacher collaboration

• Classroom behavior strategies

4. Parent Guidance & Training

Parents learn:

• Behavior management

• Communication strategies

• How to reduce stress at home

• Positive parenting techniques

5. Lifestyle & Social Interventions

• Sleep and routine management

• Social skills training

• Reducing screen time

• Physical activity

Goals of Treatment

• Improve emotional well-being

• Enhance academic performance

• Strengthen family relationships

• Build coping skills

• Prevent long-term mental health issues