Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Printable Version

We Can Help

Mental health problems are painful and the consequences are serious. Emotional, behavioral or substance abuse problems can lead to school failure, family conflict, violence, legal difficulties and even suicide.

Dartmouth's physicians have been recognized for their specialization and expertise. As educators and researchers, our clinical staff is knowledgeable in the latest advances in child and adolescent psychiatry. Through teaching and research, we are involved in the development of new treatments. 

What are the warning signs

When signs of trouble emerge, seek help early. This increases a child's chances for a safe, effective recovery. The behaviors below may indicate that your child is having difficulty:

  • Sad, withdrawn, hopeless mood
  • Anxious, worried, fearful behavior
  • Inability to concentrate, sit still, or focus attention
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Thoughts that race too fast to follow
  • Hearing voices than cannot be explained
  • Constant concern about physical problems, appearance or weight
  • Use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs
  • Loss of enjoyment in favorite activities or hobbies
  • Difficulties with grades, attendance or behavior at school
  • Injuring self by hitting, banging or cutting

 

If some of the above signs and symptoms persist for a period of weeks or months, contact the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry section at Dartmouth.

Whether complicated or simple

Mental health problems can occur at the same time as medical, development or learning problems. Changes in mood or behavior can also be connected to life events such as divorce, death, trauma or abuse.

That is why our first step in treatment is a comprehensive evaluation. Afterwards, our specialists prepare a treatment plan tailored to each child and family. A treatment plan may prescribe one or more of the following treatments:

Many of our Child and Adolescent Psychiatry staff members have advanced knowledge, skills and training in specific areas, such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, trauma and sexual abuse, the effects of divorce on children and families, developmental disabilities and autism. As a result, we are uniquely equipped to handle medically complex situations.

There is hope

Our goal is to relieve pain and restore health. We try to reduce conflict in families by helping members develop new ways of dealing with recurring problems. With new skills and techniques, individuals can learn to manage difficult feelings and disrupt destructive behaviors. By building on the strengths and successes of each family, we help people work toward positive growth, change and renewal.

Advancing care through research

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is committed to advancing our knowledge about psychiatric conditions affecting children and adolescents.  we ae actively engaged in a variety of research projects aimed at developing and testing the effectiveness of new treatments for such disorders as depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and childhood onset schizophrenia.