Q & A

Please note: The material presented here is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of the advice of your personal physician.

Q: Why do parents and families bring their child or teenager to see a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist?

A: Parents and families often worry when their child or teenager seems to have a problem which causes them to be sad, disruptive, rebellious, inattentive, unable to cope with things, or to get involved with drugs and alcohol. Parents may be concerned about their child or adolescent's development, eating and/or sleeping patterns, and how they are getting along with family, friends, and at school.
Many families first discuss their concerns with a family physician, school counselor, or clergy. Following this, the family may be referred to a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. The Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist is uniquely qualified to understand the full range of factors associated with emotional difficulties and mental disorders that can affect children and adolescents.
AACAP

Q: Are parents and families responsible for their child's problems?

A: Parents and families often have this worry. Some families even delay seeking help for their child for fear that they will be blamed. Feeling responsible for the child's problems or distress is a normal sign of caring and attachment. There can be multiple causes for many of the problems that children and adolescents experience. Sometimes the cause of a problem is not known, but all disorders are treatable.
A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist will help parents and families understand that they should not blame themselves for their child or adolescent's problem and resolve the feelings of "Why me? Why my child?"
AACAP