What's an important aspect of a child's health that goes unnoticed far too often? It's mental health, the part of a youngster's well-being that affects how they behave, learn, and interact with others at home, school, and play. Here at Payne & Holloway Pediatrics in Montgomery, AL, Dr. Albert Holloway is the caring pediatrician you can trust with your son or daughter's mental health and functioning.
What is mental health?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a child's mental health encompasses social, emotional, and developmental milestones. It also includes the acquisition of coping and problem-solving skills. Further, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that half of all mental health disorders start early—before 14 years of age. As such, early diagnosis and intervention are key.
Common mental health disorders in children and adolescents include:
- Depression and suicide
- Anxiety
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Tourette's Syndrome
- Attachment disorders
- Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia
- Psychosis
- Learning disorders such as Auditory Processing Disorder and Dyslexia
What a parent can do
If you observe behavioral, emotional, or learning behaviors that seem unusual for your child or for other children of similar age, please contact your pediatrician at his Montgomery office. He may perform a complete examination to rule out any underlying physical issues at the root of any mood or behavior changes. Additionally, he may refer you to a child psychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental specialist for further evaluation.
Treating mental health disorders
Each child requires an individualized treatment plan. Often, it involves a combination of medications (such as antidepressants) and various kinds of psychotherapy implemented in the clinical setting, school, and home. These therapies may include:
- Play therapy and storytelling
- Art and music programs
- Animal-assisted therapies with dogs and horses
- Family training
Additionally, your Montgomery pediatrician helps families navigate the myriad of community and private resources and care providers which may play a role in your child's care. Goals and outcomes include stable mood, increased productivity at school, and improved family relationships/friendships.
We can help
If you are concerned about your child's mental health, please don't hesitate to contact Payne & Holloway Pediatrics in Montgomery, AL. Early intervention produces the best outcomes. Phone for an appointment at (334) 244-7209.