Childhood Psychiatric Illnesses: What Parents Need to Know?

Childhood psychiatric illnesses are mental health conditions that affect children and adolescents. These illnesses not only can cause distress and impair functioning, but they also interfere with overall development.

Some of the most common childhood psychiatric illnesses are listed here:

- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with learning, socialization, and self-control.

- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Children with ASD may have difficulties understanding social cues, expressing emotions, and adapting to changes.

- Anxiety disorders: A group of disorders that involve excessive fear, nervousness, or worry that interfere with daily activities. Examples include separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias.

- Mood disorders: A group of disorders that affect the regulation of emotions and mood. Examples include depression, bipolar disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.

- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): A disorder that involves recurrent and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) that are performed to reduce anxiety or distress.

- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A disorder that develops after exposure to a traumatic event that involves actual or threatened death, injury, or violence. Children with PTSD may have nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and emotional numbness.

- Eating disorders: A group of disorders that involve abnormal eating behaviors and attitudes toward food and body image. Examples include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

 Childhood psychiatric illnesses can have serious consequences for children's physical health, academic performance, social relationships, and self-esteem. They can also increase the risk of substance abuse, suicide, and other mental health problems in adulthood. Therefore, it is important for parents to recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions and seek professional help as soon as possible.

 Some of the signs and symptoms of childhood psychiatric illnesses are:

 - Changes in mood or behavior that are persistent or severe

- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks

- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed

- Withdrawal from family, friends, or school

- Irritability, anger, or aggression

- Sadness, hopelessness, or guilt

- Excessive fear, worry, or nervousness

- Trouble sleeping or eating

- Physical complaints such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue

- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts or actions

- Obsessions or compulsions that interfere with daily functioning

- Repeated exposure to trauma or violence

 If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your child, you should consult your child's pediatrician or a mental health professional for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your child's quality of life and prevent further complications.

 Treatment for childhood psychiatric illnesses may include:

 - Psychotherapy: A form of counseling that helps children understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and learn coping skills. Psychotherapy may involve individual sessions with a therapist, family sessions with parents and siblings, or group sessions with peers who have similar problems.

- Medication: A form of treatment that helps balance the brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior. Medication may be prescribed by a psychiatrist or a pediatrician who has experience in treating childhood psychiatric illnesses. Medication should be used in combination with psychotherapy and monitored closely for side effects and effectiveness.

- Other interventions: Depending on the type and severity of the condition, other interventions may be recommended to help children cope with their symptoms and improve their functioning. These may include behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, social skills training, parent training, school-based interventions, and support groups.

 

As a parent of a child with a psychiatric illness, you may feel overwhelmed, confused, frustrated, or guilty. You may also face challenges such as stigma, discrimination,

for more details contact Dr (Major) Shashank Raikwar (drpsychiatry@outlook.com or watsapp your query at 9051248122)