Mental and Behavioral Health
Adults are not the only ones who experience mental health problems. Children and young people also experience psychological and emotional disorders. Children can have a variety of mental health issues and behavioral disorders. In fact, some conditions, like eating disorders, are more common in children and adolescents than in adults.
In young children, mental health problems and behavioral disorders can be challenging to spot, because it can be difficult for a child to explain how they feel. Often, younger children find they’re in trouble for being naughty or acting out without anyone realizing something is affecting the child's mental health.
As children enter puberty, their hormone levels change so dramatically that it can be tough to know whether their behavior is due to a mental health disorder or if it is a consequence of the changes they're going through.
The types of mental health conditions that most often affect children and young people include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Eating disorders, like bulimia and anorexia nervosa
If you’re worried about your child's behavior or moods, you can try and talk to them about how they feel and what's on their mind. The teachers at their school might also raise the subject with you if they have their own concerns.
Some medications are suitable for children who have certain conditions, like ADHD. However, many drugs aren't safe for those under age 16.
The primary approach used at Village Pediatric Group in treating mental health issues is therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be valuable for helping young people manage conditions like anxiety and phobias.
Psychotherapy can help if unresolved issues are affecting your child, such as bereavement or other trauma. Behavioral therapy can help children who have ADHD to understand how they feel and learn to modify their reactions.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Tuckahoe, NY
Whatever form of treatment your child needs for their mental health disorder, the Village Pediatric Group team in Tuckahoe, New York, can provide it with warmth and compassion. Call (914) 771-7070 today or schedule a consultation using the online booking tool.
