Is Your Child Struggling with Behavior or Emotions? Here’s Why a Psychiatry Assessment Might Be the Missing Piece
Clinically reviewed by Jacqueline Mitchell, LMSW
As a parent, you want to give your child the best opportunities for success and happiness, but sometimes it can feel like something is off. Whether it’s trouble concentrating, emotional outbursts, or withdrawal from social activities, it’s not always clear what’s going on beneath the surface. If you’ve noticed changes in your child’s behavior or mood that seem persistent or harder to manage, it might be time to consider a comprehensive assessment by an expert in psychiatry to get a full picture of what is going on with your child.
At Backpack Healthcare, we’re here to guide you through the process of getting your child the help they need, and we’re here to help you understand why psychiatry isn’t just about prescribing medication—it’s about taking a comprehensive approach to your child’s well-being.
What Is Psychiatry, and Why Is It Important for Kids?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that helps diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Unlike therapy, which focuses on helping kids and teens manage emotions and challenges, psychiatry looks at the medical side of things. Psychiatrists use different tools, including medical tests and, sometimes, genetic testing, to understand what might be causing emotional or behavioral struggles.
A psychiatry assessment isn’t just about giving a diagnosis or prescribing medication. It’s about looking at the whole picture—physical health, emotions, and mental well-being—to find any underlying causes of distress. For example, Backpack Healthcare uses genetic testing to check for medical factors that might be affecting your child’s mental health. This helps create a treatment plan that’s tailored to their specific needs.
Why a Psychiatry Assessment Might Be Right for Your Child
As a parent, you may notice that your child’s emotional or behavioral struggles aren’t improving, even with being connected to resources.. This can be frustrating and confusing, but it’s important to know that it’s not unusual for a child to need a more comprehensive evaluation.
Some signs that a psychiatry assessment may be recommended include:
- Behavioral Challenges: If your child is acting out in ways that are more extreme than their peers—such as excessive aggression, defiance, or emotional outbursts—it may be an indicator that there is more going on underneath the surface.
- Struggling in School: If your child is having trouble concentrating or excelling in school despite no obvious learning disabilities, this could suggest an underlying emotional or mental health issue that needs to be addressed.
- Social Withdrawal: When your child stops participating in activities they once enjoyed or avoids socializing altogether, it could be a sign of something deeper.
- Physical Symptoms: Complaints like stomachaches, headaches, or unexplained fatigue can sometimes be linked to mental health struggles. A psychiatrist can help identify if these physical symptoms are a result of emotional distress.
A psychiatry assessment is a helpful step in identifying whether your child’s struggles are related to a medical or genetic issue, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. It also helps ensure that your child gets the right support at home, school, and in the community.
The Benefits of a Psychiatry Assessment (Beyond Medication)
A common misconception about psychiatry is that it’s only about prescribing medication. While medication can sometimes be a part of the treatment plan, it’s only one tool in the overall process. Here’s how a psychiatry assessment can benefit your child and family:
- Holistic Approach to Mental Health: A psychiatry assessment looks at your child’s complete picture—physical, emotional, and psychological. This helps doctors and clinicians understand the full scope of their challenges and provide a more personalized treatment plan.
- Genetic Testing for Deeper Insight: At Backpack Healthcare, we offer genetic testing as part of our psychiatry assessments. This testing can reveal underlying physiological issues, such as a genetic predisposition to certain mental health conditions. Understanding these factors helps inform a more accurate diagnosis and a better treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
- Coordination with Therapy: Psychiatry and therapy work hand in hand. Therapy helps children understand and manage their thoughts and emotions, while psychiatry addresses any medical or genetic factors. When both are used together, your child receives the most comprehensive care available.
- Reduced Stigma Around Mental Health: There is still a lot of stigma around psychiatry, but it’s important to understand that seeing a psychiatrist is just like seeing any other medical professional. Just as you would take your child to a doctor for physical symptoms, a psychiatrist can help treat mental health concerns. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Comprehensive Assessment for Accurate Diagnosis
- Long-Term Solutions: With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, children and teens can experience long-term improvement in their emotional and behavioral health. Early intervention through psychiatry can set your child up for success both now and in the future.
Studies and Statistics on Psychiatry for Children and Teens
Research supports the importance of psychiatry in addressing mental health issues in children and teens. According to a study published in Pediatrics, nearly 1 in 5 children experience a mental health disorder, yet many do not receive the necessary treatment. Another study found that children who receive early psychiatric intervention experience significant improvements in their academic, social, and emotional functioning.
Additionally, studies show that psychiatric disorders in children are linked to a wide range of outcomes, including school failure, poor social relationships, and increased risk for substance abuse. This makes early identification and treatment even more critical.
- 1 in 5 children suffer from a mental health disorder each year, but fewer than 1 in 5 receive treatment.
- Early psychiatric intervention can improve school performance and emotional regulation, reducing the risk of lifelong struggles king Together: Psychiatry and Therapy
It’s crucial to recognize that therapy and psychiatry work best when combined. Therapy helps children and teens learn strategies to manage their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, while psychiatry looks at the biological and medical factors that could be affecting their well-being. Together, they form a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of a child’s health.
Taking the First Step
As a parent, seeking a psychiatry assessment can feel like a big step, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your child’s mental health. By understanding the full scope of their struggles, you can help ensure they get the right support and treatment.
If you’re ready to take the first step, Backpack Healthcare is here to help. Our team of compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioners are ready to provide your child with the comprehensive care they need to thrive. Visit us at hellobackpack.com to schedule an assessment or to learn more about how we can help your child live their best life.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html