Although children may respond differently to emotional stressors than adults, they are equally susceptible to mental health conditions. Issues like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders can appear in any stage of life, including childhood and teenage years.
Experiencing events such as the death of a loved one, bullying, or trauma could significantly change a kid’s physical health, emotional well-being, and social skill development. Noticing early signs like irritability, isolation, and sleep disturbances can help detect any unusual conditions early on.
No one knows your child better than you do – follow your intuition when it comes to their health and well-being. If you notice any behavior that concerns you, our specialized team at Robertson Pediatrics can help you identify and manage any issues promptly.
Kids who navigate life with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often struggle to focus for extended periods. This is particularly true for settings requiring sustained attention, like school.
Contrary to misconceptions, children with ADHD are not merely impulsive or disorganized. These behavioral issues respond to an underlying condition that needs continuous management and support from teachers, parents, and caregivers.
ADHD is a lifelong condition that could affect your child’s social interactions and school life without appropriate treatment and guidance.
Anxiety is among the most common psychiatric conditions in young people, affecting nearly 1 in 12 children and 1 in 4 adolescents.
Having constant mood swings and being easily irritated may be a natural behavior among kids and teenagers. However, some signs could help you recognize cases when these issues may be more than just a tantrum or a phase.
When such behavior starts to appear more frequently, and additional issues like worsening performance in school or sleep disturbances show up, it could mean your child might be dealing with anxiety.
Recognizing signs of anxiety in time can help reduce the impact on their behavior and reduce the need to use medication.
According to the CDC, approximately 2.7 million kids and teenagers in the U.S. suffer from some kind of depression. Remember that just like adults, children can also face challenges when it comes to mental health.
During childhood and teenage years, children tend to experience frequent mood swings and irritability as a normal part of growing up. As a parent, it is important to identify when these feelings develop into a different, more severe issue.
Some signs that could spark an alert when it comes to your child’s well-being include:
By closely monitoring these changes in your child's behavior, you can take important steps to support them in facing obstacles. This can lead to early intervention and promote a healthy journey towards their well-being.
During the transition between childhood and adolescence, it is common for kids to have temporary behavioral issues. These could be caused by stress factors like the birth of a sibling, divorce, or losing a close family member.
However, if rebellious behavior becomes a hostile and aggressive pattern for over six months, your child may need professional support from a mental health specialist.
Some warning signs that can help identify behavioral issues in children and teenagers include criminal actions like theft, vandalism, skipping school, and disobedience toward authority figures in the family or at school.
Poor choices can become lifetime habits - seek help for your child as soon as you notice a problematic pattern of conduct. A strong support system from family, school, and professional help can guide your child towards a brighter future.
The isolation, stress, and excessive time on social media during the pandemic have caused eating disorders to rise in children and teenagers. Almost 3% of children in the United States suffer from an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia.
As a parent, it is essential to recognize when our kids may be dealing with these issues. Some signs that could help you identify an eating disorder may include:
Just like any other mental health condition, an eating disorder is not a matter of choice. Even if you have the smallest doubt that your child may be facing this type of challenge, it is vital to have a conversation with them and your doctor.
Children who understand the world through learning and processing disorders often have a very hard time at school. Their struggles could translate to low self-esteem and a deficient drive to success.
Most children struggle with academic assignments and may avoid doing school tasks regularly. However, sometimes, having difficulty with learning can indicate an underlying learning disorder that needs profound attention and support.
A learning disorder occurs when the brain processes and works with information atypically, leading to a gap between expected skills and actual performance.
It is essential that parents and educators collaborate to provide the necessary support to help these children build confidence in their abilities and thrive academically.
At Robertson Pediatrics, we understand your child’s emotional health is as important as their physical well-being. Our experienced team specializes in pediatric mental and behavioral health, and features a pediatric psychologist. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care to ensure your child thrives.
We offer same-day visits in our clinic located in the heart of Beverly Hills. For appointments, please call us at 310-659-8687 or contact us online.
Open for Walk-ins on Tue, Thurs & Fri: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
