children s health issues
Overview of Mental Health Disorders Children and Adolescents
Diagnosis of Mental Health Disorders in Children
A visit with a doctor or behavioral health specialist Sometimes questionnaires about symptoms Sometimes observing the child's behavior No test can confirm the diagnosis of a mental health disorder. Doctors rely on an interview with the child or adolescent and observations of parents and teachers and on those made during the office visit to help determine whether a mental health disorder is present. Sometimes doctors refer the child or adolescent to a mental health care professional who is trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders in children and adolescents. These professionals may use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate the child. Doctors may do blood tests to check for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Fragile X Syndrome , Rett syndrome, and 