Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Mental health concerns in children and adolescents often show up quietly and then suddenly take over daily routines, school performance, or family dynamics.

At Biruni Hospital the focus is on giving structure to that chaos through clear diagnosis, steady follow-up, and tailored treatment plans. Across Turkey care systems are not always consistent, but when the approach is organized and grounded, it makes a measurable difference. Medication may be part of it, and therapy too, but what truly shapes progress is how well the pieces are connected around the child’s needs.

What is child and adolescent psychiatry

This branch of medicine addresses the mental health issues that children and teens deal with every day. It’s not just about spotting symptoms but about understanding how these problems affect their mood, behavior, and relationships. The real focus is helping young people get through struggles so they can do better at school, at home, and with friends.

How it usually goes

The care process in child and adolescent psychiatry usually involves several steps:

• The doctor starts by hearing out the child and family to get the full story from different angles
• They observe behavior and run assessments to figure out what’s really going on beneath the surface
• After figuring out the diagnosis they put together a plan that often combines therapy, medication, and practical support
• They keep checking back regularly to see what’s working and adjust the plan as the child grows or things change
• The care team often includes doctors, psychologists, teachers, and social workers so the support covers all areas of the child’s life

What are the different types of child and adolescent psychiatry procedures

Child and adolescent psychiatry procedures include psychological assessments, therapy sessions, and family counseling tailored to young patients. Treatments may also involve medication management and specialized testing for conditions like ADHD and anxiety.

Assessment and diagnosis

This is where it all starts, where the real work begins. The doctor sits down with the child and family to listen without rushing and to understand the full story.
They don’t just focus on what’s obvious but explore how the child feels, thinks, and acts in daily life.
It involves talking, observing, and sometimes collecting input from teachers or others involved. The aim is to create a clear picture so the next steps actually fit the child.

What happens here:

• Long conversations with the child and parents to understand their perspective
• Observing the child in the clinic or familiar settings
• Using tests or questionnaires to gather objective information
• Talking with schools or therapists for a wider view
• Combining all information into a working diagnosis
• Sharing results with the family and planning what’s next

Therapeutic intervention

Once the picture is clearer, therapy helps the child handle what’s going on. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach but a tailored set of methods depending on the child’s age, needs, and diagnosis. Therapy could be one-on-one talking sessions or play-based activities for younger children. Family sessions often address patterns or issues that affect progress. The goal is to give the child tools to manage feelings and daily struggles.

How it looks in practice:

• Building trust so the child feels safe to open up
• Choosing therapy types that fit the child’s situation
• Regular sessions with flexibility to adjust focus
• Including family or caregivers when helpful
• Using proven approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy or play therapy
• Tracking progress and adjusting plans as the child develops

Medication management

Medication is sometimes necessary, but it is never the full story. It helps ease symptoms that block functioning when therapy and support alone aren’t enough. Doctors weigh benefits and risks carefully and monitor for side effects. Families are guided to understand how it works, and adjustments are made as needed.

What to expect:

• Full evaluation before starting medication
• Selecting the right medication and dose for the child
• Clear explanation to the family about what to expect
• Regular follow-ups to monitor effectiveness
• Coordination with other care providers
• Support with medication routines and handling concerns

Crisis intervention

Sometimes situations become urgent, and immediate action is needed to keep the child safe. This might involve hospital care or intensive support for risks like self-harm or extreme behavior. The goal is to calm the situation, ensure safety, and prepare for ongoing care.

What happens here:

• Rapid risk evaluation and safety planning
• Possible hospital admission or emergency unit care
• Close observation by the mental health team
• Medication adjustments if needed to stabilize
• Working with the family on safety plans and next steps
• Setting up follow-up care after the crisis

Long-term care and follow-up

Mental health challenges don’t disappear overnight, so ongoing care is usually needed. This means regular check-ins, therapy updates, and medication reviews over months or years. The goal is to keep progress steady, avoid setbacks, and adapt as the child grows. This phase helps the child build skills that last beyond the immediate problem.

What it looks like:

• Scheduled visits to monitor mental health and well-being
• Continuing therapy adjusted to new needs
• Ongoing medication management
• Working with schools and community resources
• Involving family in education and care planning
• Staying flexible to meet new challenges as they arise

What are the most common mental issues in teens

The most common mental health issues in teens include anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD. Additionally, eating disorders, substance abuse, and mood disorders often affect adolescents during this critical developmental stage.

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety in teenagers can become a constant weight that interferes with daily life. They may feel restless, on edge, or avoid things that once seemed normal. It can affect sleep, appetite, and relationships.

Key aspects:

• Persistent and excessive worry that’s hard to control
• Sudden intense bouts of fear (panic attacks)
• Avoidance of social situations out of fear of judgment
• Irrational fears of specific objects or situations
• Repetitive thoughts and behaviors that feel impossible to stop

Depression

Depression is more than sadness; it’s a heavy, ongoing cloud that dulls interest in life. It changes how teens see themselves and the world, sapping motivation and energy.

Key aspects:

• Long-lasting feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Loss of interest in activities, friends, or school
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts about self-harm or suicide in severe cases

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is more than just hyperactivity; it’s trouble focusing, impulsiveness, and restlessness. Teens may struggle to keep up with schoolwork and social expectations.

Key aspects:

• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Constant restlessness or inability to sit still
• Impulsive behaviors
• Challenges with organization and memory
• Struggles with academic and social settings

Eating disorders

Eating disorders involve struggles with food, body image, and control that go beyond dieting. These conditions often hide beneath the surface, requiring careful detection and treatment.

Key aspects:

• Restricting food intake leading to weight loss
• Binge eating followed by purging behaviors
• Distorted self-image and fear of gaining weight
• Serious physical risks like malnutrition and heart problems
• Feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation

Substance use disorders

Substance use can begin as experimentation but quickly turn harmful. Teens may rely on substances to escape problems, which worsens their situation. Addiction needs targeted treatment addressing both the use and the underlying causes.

Key aspects:

• Continued use despite negative impacts
• Cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• Risk-taking and legal trouble
• Damage to brain development and mental health
• Need for comprehensive treatment and support

What are the best steps forward after child and adolescent psychiatry treatment?

After child and adolescent psychiatry treatment, it’s important to maintain regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust care as needed. Support from family, school, and community resources, along with continued therapy or medication management, helps ensure long-term well-being and healthy development.

Short-term steps

• Get everyone involved on the same page, including doctors, parents, teachers, and therapists, with clear communication about what’s going on and what’s expected
• Keep a close eye on how the teen is feeling and behaving to spot problems early
• Make quick adjustments if medication or therapy isn’t quite fitting the needs
• Have a clear safety plan in place in case things get worse
• Maintain steady daily routines with enough sleep, good food, and physical activity
• Guide families through this phase so they know what to expect
• Involve schools so academic demands don’t overwhelm the teen and support is available when needed

Long-term steps

• Continue regular check-ups to track progress and catch new challenges early
• Adjust therapy as the teen grows and learns new coping skills
• Review medication regularly to ensure it remains effective and side effects are managed
• Provide ongoing education and support for families so they can help without guessing
• Connect with community groups or peers to reduce isolation
• Work with schools as partners in academic and emotional well-being.
• Encourage teens to take more ownership of their care as they mature
• Watch for early signs of setbacks to prevent problems from spiraling

Building a path to lasting recovery

Managing child and adolescent mental health requires ongoing support and careful attention. At Biruni Hospital, with proper short- and long-term steps, young people can regain balance and build resilience. Collaboration between families, professionals, and schools is vital for steady progress. Staying alert to changes and adjusting care prevents setbacks, creating a foundation for healthier futures and stronger lives.