Child Psychiatry

What Is a Child Psychiatrist?

A child psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating behavioral and thought disorders in children. A child psychiatrist uses his knowledge on many factors including biological and psychological factors, in order to devise a treatment plan for a child with behavior and thought disorders. This plan may include medication to help control or minimize certain behaviors or thoughts.

What Does a Child Psychiatrist Do?

If your child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD or autism), a child psychiatrist can be a very valuable member of your child\'s care team. Children with autism may have other mood or thought disorders that exist in addition to autism. Disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), may occur in children with autism; however, behaviors associated with this disorder can be managed with medication and psychiatric intervention.

A psychiatrist may devise a treatment plan that may involve just your child, your family, or another group. A treatment plan may either include medication or behavioral therapy, in order to reduce negative behaviors. A child psychiatrist can also act as an advocate for your child with other doctors, school professionals, agencies, or other organizations.

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