Monday 11 August 2014

By Tanisha Berg





The medical specialty that deals with the study and treatment of mental disorders that affect children is referred to as pediatric psychiatry. When children are mentally ill, their close family members also get affected. Therefore, close family members or guardians are usually included in the treatment programs for such children. In order to specialize in pediatric psychiatry in NYC, medical students have to complete training like other doctors. Child psychiatrists are able to counsel their patients, prescribe medications, examine patients and order laboratory tests among other tasks.



Essentially, child psychiatrists are specialized physicians who are skilled at treating children who are suffering from mental illnesses or developmental conditions such as Tourette syndrome, retardation or learning disabilities. Child psychiatrists may work in several settings. They can maintain an office and treat patients on an outpatient basis or treat patients who are in inpatient hospitals.



Child psychiatrists may also work with state organizations such as Child Protective Services. They can evaluate children who are suspected of abuse or make decisions about the mental stability of children who are charged with committing a crime. In most cases, these professionals work with a team of mental health professionals.



Some child psychiatrists offer therapy but others do not. They usually work together with counselors and psychologists as well as pediatricians. In order to treat a patient, the professionals start by determining the nature of the mental disorder a child is suffering from. They then create a treatment plan, which often involves prescribing the right medicines.



Once a patient starts a treatment program, a psychiatrist may find it necessary to adjust the medication. He or she can determine dosage or changes in medications depending on the behavior of the patient. The professional may speak to guardians or close family members of the child to get information about the behavior of the patient. With follow up sessions, the professional is able to make sure that the treatment he or she is administering is helping the child.



Since children cannot articulate their issues or problems, establishing a rapport with watchful parents or guardians helps guide treatment. If parents or guardians are not available or are not a good resource, a child psychiatrist can personally observe the patient to see how he or she is responding to treatment. In hospital settings, other healthcare workers can make these observations.



If a child psychiatrist prescribes medications and offers therapy, observations during treatment may be more comprehensive. If he or she prescribes medicines only, this professional may work together with other professional like marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. These other professionals provide therapy. A child psychiatrist can also give a testimony of the mental fitness of his or her patient in a law court.



Pediatric psychiatrists may also examine and write recommendations or reports about custody placement of children who have been abused by their guardians or parents. Some of these professionals also carry out research or work on developing new treatments for children. As they look for a child psychiatrist to treat their child, the residents of New York City should consider his or her education background, experience and reputation.









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