اخصائي طب نفسي الاطفال والمراهقين

Nature of the work

Child and adolescent psychiatry is a specialty within psychiatry working with children and young people up to the age of 18, and their families.

Working as a child and adolescent psychiatrist provides an opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives of the next generation.  It is an interesting and challenging specialty which has seen tremendous developments over the last two decades and is continuing to make great strides forward.

Working with children and young people means that early intervention at this critical period is possible with the potential for making a lifelong difference to those being seen. 75% of adult mental health problems have started in before the age of 18, and there is evidence that early interventions can reduce the likelihood of mental disorders in adulthood.

Child and adolescent psychiatry combines the rigours and science of medicine, with the art and creativity of therapy.  The ability to advocate for young people and improve public mental health, both add dimensions to the work that mean the possibilities are bountiful.

Working in child and adolescent psychiatry is both varied and rewarding.  There are many approaches to treatment, ranging from cognitive behavioural therapy to family therapy.  Medication and admission to an inpatient unit may occasionally be used, but this is less frequent than for adult mental health services.

Child and adolescent psychiatrists believe in the importance of family and community and this is reflected in service provision.  The work emphasises a multidisciplinary and multi-agency approach.  This means collaborating with colleagues with skills in different areas, or with partners from other organisations such as schools, social services, hospitals, or the police.  Consultation with other agencies is an important part of the work, to ensure integration of interventions at all levels.

Child and adolescent psychiatrists see a great variety of patients from all walks of life.  Young people present with many different problems, including:

Neuro-developmental problems arising in childhood:

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
autism and learning disability
tic disorders
Emotional and behavioural problems:

disruptive behaviour
feeding and toileting difficulties
depression
anxiety and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
response to trauma or life adjustment (such as domestic violence and divorce)
attachment disorders
Other significant mental health problems:

eating disorders
psychosis
self-harm and attempted suicide