Pediatric Mental Health

Children are just as prone to mental health problems as adults, and developmental disabilities typically begin in childhood. Katherine Peppers, DNP, CPNP-PC, CPMHS, and her highly experienced colleagues at Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics in Raleigh, North Carolina, offer comprehensive pediatric mental health care to children over 4 and adolescents. Call the office to learn more about the services your child could benefit from, or request an appointment via the online booking form today.

What is pediatric mental health?

Pediatric mental health concerns diagnosing and treating children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and developmental problems.

You might not think of mental health disorders as something children suffer from, but most developmental disabilities have their roots in pregnancy, and many psychiatric problems develop in childhood, including:

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD causes flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and other distressing symptoms that develop after a significant trauma, such as physical abuse, a school shooting, or a terrorist attack.

What symptoms require pediatric mental health care?

Symptoms of mental health or behavioral problems include:

• Deteriorating school performance
• Constant or excessive anxiety
• Refusing to go to school
• Hyperactivity and impulsivity
• Frequent, severe meltdowns
• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or self-loathing
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Losing interest in activities the child usually enjoys
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Verbal and/or physical aggression
• Difficulty concentrating

Many of these issues can occur occasionally without there being an underlying disorder. Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics recommends seeking help if your child’s behaviors happen frequently and persistently, affect their school performance, or interfere with friendships and family relationships.

What pediatric mental health services are available?

Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics provides comprehensive, accessible mental health services to children from 4 to adulthood, including:

Diagnostics

Diagnosing your child’s mental health condition accurately ensures they receive the most effective help and support. The providers use proven diagnostic tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule second edition (ADOS-2) as part of a thorough interview and assessment process.

Therapy

Treatments typically focus on psychological and behavioral therapies. Some that are particularly effective for children and young people include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and family therapy.

Medication

Medication can also be a valuable treatment but needs careful prescribing and supervision (medication management) because psychiatric drugs work differently in children and adolescents.

Parent support and education

Helping parents understand their child’s condition and learn how best to respond to them is vital for successful outcomes. Parents often feel frustrated and inadequate, blaming themselves for their child’s problems. It’s highly beneficial for them to know the facts about their child’s disorder and feel they’re positively contributing to improving their child’s life.

Call Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics to learn more about the pediatric mental health services available, or book an appointment online today.