Child And Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist

What is child and adolescent psychiatry?

Child and adolescent psychiatry focuses specifically on the mental health needs of young people. Young people go through a series of developmental stages. They face different challenges as they grow up and practice social interaction with peers and teachers. When young people have a mental health condition, it can severely impact their ability to succeed and thrive. 

What psychiatric issues are common in young people?

Unfortunately, mental health issues are becoming more common in children and adolescents. Some of the most common issues young people face today include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Children and teenagers may also develop conduct disorders or oppositional defiant disorders that interfere with their ability to control their behavior at home, school, and other environments. 

What are the signs that my child needs psychiatric help?

Sometimes it’s challenging to tell the difference between the warning signs of a mental health condition and normal childhood behaviors. For example, is your rambunctious child who can’t sit still suffering from ADHD, or are they a healthy, energetic kid? Or, is your moody teenager who’s prone to tears and spends all their time alone in their room depressed, or just going through adolescence?

There are a few things to keep in mind when considering your child’s mental health. First, is their behavior interfering with other aspects of their life? For example, has your child’s academic performance declined, or are you getting poor behavior reports from their teacher daily? Does their behavior make your home life chaotic and negatively affect the rest of your family?

Also, does their behavior mark a dramatic change in their personality? Has your child gone from a bubbly, social butterfly to a sullen, monosyllabic loner? These are extreme and oversimplified examples, but you know your child. If there’s a change in their mood or demeanor that concerns you, make an appointment at Wyckoff Wellness Center. 

How can a psychiatrist help my child?

Dr. Gentile wants to help your child thrive. He provides comprehensive evaluations of their mental health to identify any conditions that are interfering with their wellness. Once he understands their needs, he creates an age-appropriate treatment plan to address their needs. 

Dr. Gentile may recommend medication, therapy, nutritional changes, and other lifestyle modifications. He can also collaborate with your child’s teachers and pediatrician to ensure they receive concerted, joined-up care and support.

Call Wyckoff Wellness Center or make an appointment online today for personalized child and adolescent psychiatry services.