Signs My Child Should See a Psychiatrist

In today’s fast-paced, complex world it’s not easy for children or adolescents to admit something is bothering them. They may not have the words. They may be in denial, feel shame, or fear judgment from family or peers. Parents often struggle in these situations as well. They may not know how to address it with their child or are unaware of where to turn for help.

Some parents will even wonder: is it time for my child to see a psychiatrist?

Dr. Timothy Jeider recently offered some thoughtful guidance on the subject.

Warning Signs

Dr. Jeider believes parents should “trust their gut” if they suspect something is wrong with their child’s behavior. He also offered one obvious and several subtle warning signs to watch for:

• Signs of self-harm (This requires immediate attention)
• Abrupt changes in behavior (IE: suddenly spending more time in their room after they rarely did in the past)
• Poor hygiene
• Moodiness to the point where you often brace for emotional outbursts
• Overtly lying when asked about obvious concerns

Where to Start

If you notice more subtle changes and are concerned, a professional opinion won’t hurt, Dr. Jeider says. That doesn’t mean you need to visit a psychiatrist right away. A good first step may be asking your child’s pediatrician or a family practitioner some questions first. Even touching base with your child’s teacher at school to see if they’ve seen any changes in behavior could also be a good first step.

Talking to your Child or Teen

It’s a good idea to keep communication open with your child, too. If you do want to address changes with them, it’s very important to not be accusatory, Dr. Jeider emphasizes. Use “I” statements to explain what you are noticing and invite their input. Avoid statements that might hint that they are bad, wrong or troubled.

If you have spoken to a physician and your child, you may decide it’s a good idea to approach a mental health professional. At this point, parents should understand they are part of the journey, and are not handing off their child to someone who will “fix them.”

“As far as children’s mental health is concerned, families and parents should be very much expected to be involved in the treatment process,” Dr. Jeider says.

Therapist or Psychiatrist?

Many will often visit a therapist, or psychologist, first, which is fine. A psychologist assesses behavior, and may require several sessions to do so. A board-certified psychiatrist, on the other hand, is trained for a more robust evaluation. That evaluation may even include blood work, nutritional analysis, and other elements your child may see at a primary care visit.

This more thorough evaluation may be needed if a case is complex. In some instances, symptoms of one mental health concern may mimic others, and a diagnosis may appear elusive. ADHD, for example, may present symptoms similar to anxiety, depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Or there could be past traumas not discussed that now show up as symptoms of disorders your child may not even have.

In these confusing situations, a psychiatrist’s expertise may be needed. He or she can also identify if there is a need for medication, and develop a full treatment plan that should also include behavioral therapy, Dr. Jeider adds.

What to Look for in a Psychiatrist

A thorough psychiatric evaluation may require more than one 45-minute session. The psychiatrist should clearly explain what they think the problem may be. If they don’t know the problem, that’s understandable, but they should be able to tell you the steps they are taking to find the answer.

“I would say it’s always a red flag if you see a mental health provider and they say ‘here’s a pill’ without a conversation about counseling,” Dr. Jeider cautions.

Ultimately, when you meet with a psychiatrist, ask yourself these three questions:

• Did I feel heard?
• Was the diagnosis explained?
• Does the treatment plan make sense?

Understanding the Role of Medications

Some parents may hold deeply ingrained beliefs about medications. They are concerned about addiction. The parents themselves may not believe in mental health at all and taking medications may validate what they don’t believe, Dr. Jeider explains.

In his discussions with parents, Dr. Jeider emphasizes how medications are not a cure but a tool in a comprehensive treatment plan. The goal is to reduce symptoms to a level where the patient can now do the therapeutic work with a counselor. Once their skills to cope or self-regulate improve, the medication can be reduced and removed entirely. Medication can be prescribed in-person or online through telepsychiatry.

“For some people, the mental health symptoms are just so severe that as soon as you try to do therapy, they are overwhelmed by the symptoms, so they can’t make progress,” he says. “Medicine can reduce the degree of intensity so that the therapeutic process is more successful.”

If you are interested in learning more about how psychiatric services may help your child, contact Nevada Mental Health.