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Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, affect one in six children in the United States. At the offices of Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, in Cranbury and Trenton, New Jersey, the exceptional pediatrics team diagnoses and provides treatment recommendations for children and teenagers struggling with mental health concerns. Schedule an in-person or telemedicine evaluation at Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, by phone or request one online today.
What is mental health?
Mental health describes thoughts, emotions, mood, and behavior patterns. Having a healthy mind is just as important as staying physically healthy. Unfortunately, many children and teenagers struggle with mental health concerns because of stress, genetics, or challenging life situations. Getting treatment can help them thrive at school or work and in interpersonal relationships.
What are examples of mental health disorders?
Children and teenagers may face the following mental health concerns and more:
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Autism
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance abuse
It’s common to have multiple mental health conditions at the same time. Some are mild and easily treatable, while others are severe and may lead to complications if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of mental health conditions in children and teens?
Mental health disorders in children and teenagers can cause:
- Irritability
- Angry outbursts
- Ongoing or extreme sadness
- Severe anxiousness
- Feeling helpless, hopeless, or worthless
- Mood swings
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Substance misuse
- Thoughts of suicide
- Obsessions
- Compulsions
- Weight loss
- Sleep changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor social interactions
If these or similar symptoms interfere with your child’s quality of life, treatment at Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, can restore their well-being.
How are mental health disorders diagnosed?
The Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, team diagnoses mental health conditions after a conversation about your child or teenager’s emotions, thoughts, mood, behaviors, and other potential symptoms linked to their mental health. They then create a personalized treatment plan that’s best suited to their needs.
How are mental health disorders treated in children and teens?
Treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions in children and teenagers often consists of making lifestyle changes, taking medications, attending support groups, undergoing psychotherapy, or combining multiple treatments.
Things to do at home include eating nutritious foods, getting plenty of sleep and exercise, and minimizing stress. It’s also helpful to set a regular sleep schedule, help your child stay organized, spend time with them, and avoid an overly busy schedule. Take time to relax and unwind daily.
Schedule an in-person or virtual mental health evaluation at one of the Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, offices by calling or requesting an appointment online today.