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Seeking the assistance of a psychiatrist can be a crucial step toward managing mental health challenges and achieving overall well-being. However, many individuals may hesitate due to concerns about the cost involved. In this post, we will delve into the factors that influence the cost to see a psychiatrist, shedding light on the expenses associated with psychiatric services and providing insights into various payment options and insurance coverage.

Factors Influencing the Cost to See a Psychiatrist

• Professional Experience and Specialization: Psychiatrists with extensive experience and specialized expertise often charge higher fees. Their proficiency in handling complex cases and their reputation within the field contribute to the increased cost.
• Geographic Location: The cost of psychiatric services can vary depending on the location. Major cities and urban areas tend to have higher living expenses, which may reflect in the fees charged by psychiatrists practicing in those areas.
• Type of Treatment Required: The specific treatment needed will influence the cost of seeing a psychiatrist. Some individuals may require regular therapy sessions, while others may need medication management or a combination of both. The complexity and duration of treatment can impact the overall cost.
• Length and Frequency of Sessions: The duration and frequency of psychiatric sessions can vary. Longer sessions or more frequent visits may result in higher costs, as they require more time and resources from the psychiatrist.
• Additional Services: Additional services such as psychological assessments, diagnostic evaluations, or reports requested for legal or educational purposes may incur additional charges.

Understanding the Costs Associated with Psychiatric Services

• Initial Consultation: Typically, the first visit to a psychiatrist involves an initial consultation, during which the psychiatrist assesses the individual’s mental health condition and creates a treatment plan. This consultation may last anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes and can range in cost from $200 to $500.
• Ongoing Therapy Sessions: Regular therapy sessions, which focus on providing support, guidance, and therapeutic interventions, are a fundamental part of psychiatric treatment. The cost per session can vary between $100 and $300, depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
• Medication Management: If medication is deemed necessary as part of the treatment plan, the psychiatrist will closely monitor its effectiveness and adjust the prescription as needed. Medication management sessions usually range from $100 to $200 per visit, which may occur once every few months.
• Psychological Assessments: Psychological assessments, which help diagnose and understand mental health conditions, are an integral part of psychiatric evaluation. The cost for these assessments can vary widely, starting from $500 and going up to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity and extent of the assessment.

Payment Options and Insurance Coverage

• Private Health Insurance: Many private health insurance plans provide coverage for psychiatric services. However, coverage may vary depending on the plan and provider. It is advisable to review the insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage and any limitations or copayments.
• Medicare and Medicaid: Medicare and Medicaid programs offer coverage for mental health services, including psychiatric consultations and therapy sessions. Eligibility and coverage details can be obtained through the respective government agencies.
• Sliding Scale Fees and Community Mental Health Centers: Some psychiatrists offer sliding scale fees, which adjust the cost based on the individual’s income and financial situation. Additionally, community mental health centers may provide more affordable or even free services for individuals with limited financial resources.

When considering the cost to see a psychiatrist, it is essential to understand the factors that influence pricing and the various payment options available. While psychiatric services can be a significant investment, the benefits gained from receiving appropriate care and support for mental health concerns are invaluable. By exploring insurance coverage, seeking out sliding scale fees, or utilizing community mental health resources, individuals can make informed decisions and prioritize their mental well-being without undue financial burden.

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While many people experience occasional feelings of anxiety, for some, anxiety becomes chronic and interferes with their daily lives. Seeking professional help is crucial for effective anxiety management. In this post, we will explore the reasons why consulting a psychiatrist for anxiety treatment can be beneficial.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized by fear, excessive worry, and apprehension. It can manifest as physical symptoms such as restlessness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty concentrating. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and panic disorder. These conditions can significantly impact one’s quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being.

The Role of a Psychiatrist in Anxiety Treatment

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, including anxiety. Psychiatrists have extensive training and knowledge in understanding the complexities of the human mind and the biological factors that contribute to mental health conditions. They are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options for anxiety disorders.

Reasons to Consult a Psychiatrist for Your Anxiety

Below are some of the reasons why you should see a psychiatrist for your anxiety:

• Accurate Diagnosis and Assessment

One of the primary reasons to see a psychiatrist for anxiety is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Anxiety symptoms can overlap with other mental health conditions, and it is essential to receive a thorough evaluation to determine the specific type of anxiety disorder one may have. Psychiatrists are skilled in conducting comprehensive assessments, considering various factors such as medical history, family history, and psychological evaluation. An accurate diagnosis helps guide the appropriate treatment plan.

• Personalized Treatment Plans

Every individual’s experience with anxiety is unique, and treatment approaches should be tailored to their specific needs. Psychiatrists take a personalized approach to anxiety treatment, considering factors such as the severity of symptoms, co-occurring conditions, and individual preferences. They develop treatment plans that may include a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. This personalized approach increases the chances of successful outcomes in anxiety management.

• Medication Management

In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage anxiety effectively. Psychiatrists are trained in prescribing and monitoring psychiatric medications. They have a deep understanding of the pharmacological options available for anxiety treatment and can determine the most suitable medication based on an individual’s specific symptoms and medical history. Regular follow-up appointments allow psychiatrists to monitor the medication’s effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.

• Psychotherapy Expertise

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is an essential component of anxiety treatment. Psychiatrists are well-versed in various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. They can provide individualized psychotherapy sessions to address the underlying causes of anxiety, teach coping mechanisms, and help individuals develop healthier thought patterns and behaviors. The combination of medication and therapy can significantly improve anxiety symptoms and overall well-being.

• Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Psychiatrists take a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing that anxiety disorders often coexist with other conditions such as depression, substance abuse, or sleep disorders. They consider the interconnectedness of these conditions and develop comprehensive treatment plans that address all aspects of an individual’s mental health. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to anxiety, such as unresolved trauma or substance use, psychiatrists can provide comprehensive care and support for long-term recovery.

If you are struggling with anxiety, seeking help from a psychiatrist can be instrumental in your journey toward better mental health. With their guidance and support, you can find effective strategies to manage your anxiety and improve your overall well-being.

Many people who deal with mental health problems or their families and friends who help them know that these are complex conditions. These conditions can be overwhelming for adults with multiple skills and strategies to cope with and are much harder to diagnose in children. A professional neuropsychological assessment is helpful to determine the state of a child’s mental health. To clearly understand children and mental health, you need to understand how these conditions manifest and impact their growth.

So, here is some information on mental health in children, some common childhood disorders, and common treatments for childhood mental disorders.

What is Mental Health in Children?

It is normal for children to experience worry and fear or display some disruptive behavior as they grow up. However, with mental disorders, these become symptoms as they become much more severe. They begin to interfere with their social and academic lives. From this, mental health is not the absence of a disorder; rather, it is a continuum of how a child progresses, given their unique strengths and weaknesses.

What Are Some Common Childhood Disorders?

Many mental disorders can affect children, but some are more common than others. They include behavior disorders, anxiety or irrational fear or worry, and attention disorders (ADD/ADHD). Some others are less popular but still as impactful on a child’s development and quality of their life. These include:

• Learning disabilities
• Developmental disabilities
• Autism
• Risk factors of substance abuse
• Risk factors of self-harm.

These conditions impact a child’s behavior, ability to handle simple emotions, and learning capabilities.

Which Children Are Commonly Affected by Mental Disorders?

Many mental disorders are evenly distributed among children regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. The Institute of Medicine found that every year, one in five children in America deals with a mental problem or disorder. While some conditions like autism are more likely to affect boys, mental conditions can affect both boys and girls. The surveys estimate that mental disorders cost families in the US at least $247 billion every year as of 2007.

Symptoms of Mental Disorders in Children

The symptoms of mental disorders in children will vary depending on their developmental stage. Some children present symptoms of mental disorders in their early life while others manifest in their teens. Some common symptoms are difficulty handling emotions, acting in social situations, speaking, and learning. Some children may have a disorder and show no signs at all, and may not even be diagnosed with one.

Treatment Options

You can find multiple options for treatment for a child’s mental issues, and most of them will involve all the people in a child’s life. The key people in a child’s life are key in helping the child to overcome and deal with the condition. The treatment option will depend on the comprehensive initial evaluation that reveals the main issue affecting a child.

If you want to learn more about children’s mental health, you can make your way to our Wonder Years Psychiatric Services offices in Brooklyn or Garden City, New York. You can call (347) 987-4233 or (516) 588 1700​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.

Antidepressants were first invented in the 50s and have since been redesigned, and their impact is proven. They often work by increasing the abundance of brain communication chemicals, resulting in better moods. But, recent studies have shown that ketamine increases brain communication and mood. Ketamine has been around for longer, but esketamine treatment is a new option showing significant promise in managing depression.

How Do Ketamine and Esketamine Work?

• Conventional Antidepressants

Antidepressants increase levels of chemicals in the brain, like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The chemicals are key in communication in the brain between different cells and sectors. Increased brain communication leads to better moods and the subsiding of depressive symptoms.

• Ketamine and Esketamine

These medications use a different mechanism for treating depression and do not impact the natural chemicals mentioned above. They increase the levels of an abundant neurotransmitter, glutamate, by blocking NMDA receptors. Additionally, blocking these receptors results in the release of other molecules. These improve communication between brain cells by creating new pathways. The activation of AMPA receptors is key due to the molecules starting this process called synaptogenesis.

What is Ketamine?

Many people have heard about ketamine as an anesthetic commonly used as a veterinary drug or on battlefields. The ketamine used for depression is administered in much lower doses and is a racemic ketamine. While it was FDA-approved as an anesthetic, this mixture of R and S ketamine is not yet approved for treating depression. This is because it is an old drug, and pharma is unwilling to fund trials. So, the American Psychiatric Association has insufficient information on its effectiveness for depression.

What is Esketamine?

Esketamine is better known by its brand name, Spravato. It is a different and newer version of ketamine that delivers the same rapid results as ketamine. It is the S version of ketamine and a new entrant into the pharmaceutical scene, meaning pharma is motivated to run trials. The FDA approved using the nasally administered drug for treating MDD and TRD in 2019. Esketamine is efficient in many aspects of depression treatment. These include lowering suicidal thoughts at the beginning of treatment.

Differences Between Ketamine and Esketamine

• Potency

The first key difference between the two drugs is the potency levels and the side effects. Esketamine is much more potent and thus requires lower doses. It leads to fewer side effects than the parent drug, ketamine. Yet, both can become addictive and are categorized as DEA Schedule III controlled substances.

• Administering

The two also differ in the method of administering, with ketamine being an intravenous drug and esketamine being a nasal drug. IV Ketamine administration can be inconvenient and painful. Esketamine, on the other hand, is also doctor administered but does not require any needle pricks and thus not painful and extremely convenient. For more information about Esketamine treatment, visit or call  Wonder Years Psychiatric Services at one of our offices.

At Wonder Years, we provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments, second opinions, and follow up care for a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults. Here’s what clients have to say about Wonder Years and an overview of the services that we offer!

Mental Health Specialists You can Trust and Rely On

We pride ourselves on recruiting skilled and compassionate professionals to deliver comprehensive care to all our patients. Here are some personal testimonies we’ve collected from clients over the years.

• “My doctor was thoughtful and responsive; never rushes through appointments – truly a gem!”
• “I saw a knowledgeable doctor with great bedside manners. Good experience.”
• “He truly cares about each individual. Excellent doctor who is very trustworthy and reliable. I would not hesitate to take his advice.”
• “Dr. Malik is fantastic and extremely personable. He’s always been very flexible with my schedule and is easy to open up to.”

Additionally, we’ve also gotten a 4.7/5 star rating on Healthgrades, scoring 5 stars from over 70 respondents in the following areas:

• Doctor explained conditions well
• Wait times were acceptable
• The appointment wasn’t rushed
• Doctor listened & answered questions
• Staff friendliness
• I trusted the provider’s decisions
• Quality of the office environment
• Ease of appointment scheduling

Here’s a brief overview of the psychiatric services we provide:

SPRAVATO® (esketamine) (esketamine)

The FDA has approved SPRAVATO® as a form of therapy for adult depression. It uses more modern approaches to treat depression and can benefit people who have not responded to more conventional forms of care.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Wonder Years now offers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy for patients with depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is thought to be relatively safe and non-invasive.

Comprehensive Initial Evaluation

The first visit lasts for about an hour and includes a thorough evaluation. Having all caregivers and parents present at the initial evaluation is beneficial since it gives a full picture of the challenges the patient is dealing with.

Any documents from prior psychiatric evaluations, such as (but not limited to) discharge reports from the hospital and neuropsychological tests, should be brought with you to the session. Following the examination, a full discussion of the various therapy options will be conducted.

Neuropsychological Evaluations

Wonder Years offers neuropsychological evaluations for autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and learning difficulties in both children and adults.

Tele-Psychiatry

Wonder Years offers the option of Tele-Psychiatry in New York. However, initial appointments must always be in person. The fees for a Tele-Psychiatry visit will be the same as those for a conventional in-person visit.

Therapy

Wonder Years offers individual and group therapy for problems with anxiety, depression, phobias, trauma, and relationships, utilizing the most up-to-date and effective techniques.

ADHD Support

Both children and adults may be affected by ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition. Medication, counseling, and coaching may all be used in the treatment of ADHD. All age groups can receive specific coaching for ADHD through the Wonder Years.

Second Opinions

Occasionally, parents and other treatment professionals, including primary care doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists, desire a fresh perspective on the diagnosis and course of action. These examinations take roughly an hour and are just as thorough as initial evaluations. It is advised that you bring copies of any previous evaluations, psychological tests, hospital discharge reports, and current medicines with you to the appointment.

Do you or your loved one need assistance with a mental health issue? Don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Our dedicated team of professionals will be here to ensure you get back on your feet!

Parenting is already the hardest job in the world, and if you have to worry about your child’s mental health on top of that, it gets harder. According to studies, up to three-fourths of kids who are struggling with mental health difficulties do not get the support and treatment they require to perform as effectively as they can in their day-to-day lives. However, you and your child may benefit from professional help if their condition becomes more serious.  Here are a few indicators that you should take your child to a board-certified center for child and adolescent psychiatry in Brooklyn for evaluation.

Sudden, Drastic shift in Attitude or Behavior

Every one of us occasionally experiences mood fluctuations or swings to some extent. However, it’s important to note and investigate significant mood or behavior swings that occur frequently and get in the way of maintaining relationships.

Being Overwhelmed by Sudden, Irrational Fears

A psychiatric examination for your child is warranted if sudden, overwhelming worries take control of him or her and prevent them from functioning normally in their daily activities.

Avoiding food, Throwing Up after Eating, or Binging

Relationships with food that are unhealthy are not something to ignore or brush off. Eating disorders can cause extensive harm, and it is essential to treat them as soon as possible.

Seek help right away if you see that your child is exhibiting symptoms of an eating issue.

Desire to Harm Oneself or Others or Making Plans to Do So

A board-certified child or adolescent psychiatrist should be consulted right away if your child has expressed a desire to harm herself or others or has made efforts or preparations to do so.

Frequent Alcohol or Drug Use

While it is not uncommon for some kids and teenagers to experiment with alcohol and drugs, frequent use of these substances indicates a problem. Before the problem becomes any more pervasive, you may help your child receive intervention by having a complete neurological assessment performed.

Episodes of Depression or Unhappiness that Persist Beyond Two Weeks

A child or adolescent experiencing the occasional sadness is not uncommon, but if this behavior persists for longer than two weeks, it may be wise to seek assistance from a mental health professional to determine the severity of the withdrawal or depression symptoms.

A child or adolescent experiencing the occasional sadness is not uncommon, but if this behavior persists for longer than two weeks, it may be wise to seek assistance from a mental health professional to determine the severity of the withdrawal or depression symptoms.

Difficulty Paying Attention

It is one thing to enter the kitchen and then realize why you were going there. However, some people find it so difficult to focus that they endanger their health or risk failing a class because they can’t keep their thoughts on track.

Please don’t hesitate to seek assistance if your child or adolescent is exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms.

At Wonder Years Psychiatric Services, we offer child and adolescent psychiatric evaluations as well as various psychiatric treatments. Schedule an appointment to explore your concerns and we can help provide the best course of action to take from there. Check out our FAQ page today to learn more!

Social phobia, often known as social anxiety disorder, is more than just a dread of establishing or connecting with friends. It is essentially defined by a profound fear of being scrutinized or judged by others in social circumstances. Understanding the underlying causes of anxiety in children, educating your child on coping mechanisms, and getting the appropriate anxiety medication for them if necessary, are all ways that parents can provide support.

The Impact of Social Anxiety

The fear of speaking in front of others, reading aloud, being judged by others, offending others, embarrassing oneself, and engaging in conversation with strangers are just a few of the triggers that cause extreme anxiety in children with social anxiety disorder.

Youths who suffer from social anxiety disorder worry a lot in public (school, teams, play dates, tuition, and even family reunions.)

Children who suffer from social anxiety disorder may experience severe distress, which could cause poor academic, social, and other functional outcomes. For fear of negative judgment or embarrassment, children with social anxiety disorder are more likely to avoid participating in activities like sports or other group activities with their peers.

Symptoms of Social Anxiety in Children

The average age at which social anxiety disorder first manifests itself is 13 years old, with ages 8 to 15 accounting for 75% of cases.

The condition can be brought on by a history of social inhibition or shyness from childhood, but it can also be triggered by a traumatic event, such as bullying.  The number of Americans who have social anxiety disorder is over 15 million.

A noticeable dread or worry about one or more social situations in which the person may be evaluated by others is the defining characteristic of social anxiety disorder. Examples include interacting with others, being seen by others, and performing in front of people.

Here are some additional signs of social anxiety disorder to watch out for:

• The individual believes that his or her actions or anxiety symptoms will be perceived negatively.
• Social settings invariably cause anxiety or fear in them. In children this can manifest as tantrums, clinging, crying, freezing up, or the inability to speak.
• They avoid or endure social interactions while experiencing strong sensations of fear and anxiety
• The worry or panic is excessive compared to the actual threat
• The fear, worry, and avoidance persist for at least six months.
• Their emotional state causes clinically substantial suffering in the functioning of social, occupational (school), or other spheres
• They have a fear of social gatherings that may occur weeks in advance
• They are overly-attached to familiar individuals
• They experience tantrums when put in social circumstances that make them anxious
• They accuse others for alleged societal shortcomings
• They exhibit physical signs like blushing, beating heart, trembling voice, nausea, and difficulty speaking

How to Support Your Child Who has Anxiety

Naming it is the best first step you can take to help your child deal with it. Children who suffer from social anxiety disorder are aware of their fear and worry in social situations, but they may not always be able to pinpoint the cause. A crucial first step in learning to manage is assisting them in drawing connections between emotional responses, bodily symptoms, and triggers. Teach your child how anxiety affects thought and behavior, as this is a crucial aspect of learning how to deal with difficult emotions.

Be sure to seek a neurological assessment for anxiety treatment, as early intervention is key.

Before discussing treatments for depression, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, you might start looking for “holistic psychiatrists near Connecticut, NYC” if you want to find holistic alternatives to managing your mental illness. In this article, we’ll cover what a holistic psychiatrist does and what to look for in one.

What are Holistic Psychiatrists?

Certain mental health experts handle mental health disorders in a holistic manner. They are referred to as “holistic” or “integrative” psychiatrists and prioritize a patient’s total health and wellbeing as opposed to merely treating symptoms. This means that a holistic psychiatrist will evaluate the causes of your symptoms in order to address those as well, rather than only prescribing medicine to treat your symptoms.

Holistic psychiatrists may still advise and prescribe medicine, but they will only support drugs that are good for your general well-being.

Although prescription medications are effective and the effects kick in right away, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s crucial to pick a psychiatrist you feel comfortable with because each person may respond differently to drug therapies.

Before turning to prescription medications, holistic psychiatrists experiment with methods including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, better nutrition, sleep optimization, exercise, and supplements. The removal of sugar or other food additives may also be required of you. A holistic psychiatrist should be familiar with a wide range of alternative therapies, so make sure to probe further into their understanding in this area during your comprehensive initial evaluation.

Here are some things to look out for when evaluating a holistic psychiatrist.

They Support Customizable Care Plans

A holistic psychiatrist does not have a “one size fits all” approach. Instead, they will take the time to assess you personally in order to decide what kind of therapy will be most effective for YOU. In order to include your preferences as best they can into the treatment plan, they will also inquire about that. A holistic psychiatrist should be able to provide medication and/or complementary approaches like massage, mindfulness, acupuncture, dietary changes, or supplements. However, treatment programs will differ from person to person. In the end, a holistic psychiatrist’s approach to treatment frequently combines conventional medication with complementary therapies.

They Emphasize on the Overall Goal of Optimal Mental Wellness

Many medical procedures concentrate on getting rid of symptoms, and we consider health to be the absence of disease. The greatest holistic psychiatrists, however, often hold that achieving full mental wellness entails much more than simply avoiding mental health problems. Instead, their strategy goes a step further and supports achieving happiness and contentment. Also, they emphasize that prevention is preferable to therapy. As a result, they encourage a healthy outlook to ward off present symptoms and improve healthy coping mechanisms when times are tough. Does your prospective psychiatrist cover all aspects of wellness in their initial consultation with you? If so, that’s typically a good sign.

They Encourage Interactions

Relationships, in the opinion of holistic psychiatrists, are crucial for healing. This demonstrates they value their professional relationships and shows their dedication to creating a welcoming environment for clients. In order to enhance your general mental well-being, holistic psychiatrists should emphasize the significance of upholding, mending, or establishing interpersonal ties with family and friends. If your psychiatrist is merely relying on medicine and treatments to help your condition, you may not be getting the truly holistic help you signed up for.

Although many adolescents have good mental health, it is estimated that 49.5% of them have experienced mental health problems at some point in their lives. The good news is that encouraging strong mental health can help to avoid some issues. Early intervention through therapy can help with mental health disorders in adolescence and ease the burden they have on their lives. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common mental health issues they may go through. 

Is Poor Mental Health Common in Adolescence?

Adolescents commonly go through a wide variety of emotions as part of the normal developmental process. Teenagers may experience anxiety over their schoolwork and friendships, as well as depression following the loss of a close friend or family member. However, persistent symptoms that have an impact on a young person’s feelings, thoughts, and behavior are a hallmark of serious mental health issues.

Signs of Mental Health Disorder in Adolescence

In addition to interfering with daily routines and day-to-day functioning, mental health illnesses can also affect relationships, academic performance, sleep, and eating habits in adolescents. 

Here are some common signs that an adolescent may be suffering from a mental health disorder:

• losing interest in hobbies they once loved
• having little energy
• having issues eating or sleeping
• Spending more time alone and avoiding social events
• Excessive diet, exercise, or binge-eating
• Inflicting harm on themself (e.g., burning or cutting their skin)
• Taking drugs, alcohol, or other substances.
• Engaging in risky or destructive behavior
• Having suicidal thoughts
• Believing their minds are being controlled, are out of control, or perceiving

Adolescents frequently suffer from anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders. Here’s a brief overview of each condition.

Anxiety 

• characterized by intense trepidation, anxiety, and fear
• Examples include phobias, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• roughly 32% of 13 to 18-year-olds experience this condition.

In 2016, around 11% of teenagers aged 12 to 17 and 7% of kids aged 6 to 11 had a current diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of youth experiencing clinically elevated anxiety symptoms—about 1 in 5—nearly doubled globally, highlighting the need for mental health support and services for adolescents.

Depression

• Desolate state of mind that interferes with their thoughts, feelings, and daily tasks such as sleeping, eating, and working
• Approximately 13% of 12- to 17-year-olds experience this condition.
• Major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder are two examples

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive process that utilizes magnetic fields to provide stimulation to nerve cells within the brain. It currently supports the improvement of depressive symptoms in adults, and may be approved for adolescents to undergo in the future. 

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• characterized by persistent inattentiveness and/or impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day activities or growth
• roughly 9% of 13 to 18-year-olds have this condition

Eating Disorders

• characterized by extreme and unusual eating habits, such as overeating or restricting one’s food intake
• occurs in around 3% of 13 to 18 year olds.
• Examples include binge eating disorder, bulimia, and anorexia nervosa.

Seek Help

Getting a neurological assessment is the first step to recovering from a mental health disorder. Consult your healthcare provider or a mental health expert if you notice any warning signs in yourself or an adolescent you know and feel the need to get help. In life-threatening situations, be sure to call 911 or head to the emergency room of your nearest hospital. 

Parenting is rewarding but challenging. The pain your child is in is among the most difficult things to handle. You probably feel terrified and powerless if you find that your child is depressed. However, there are things you can do to support your child with depression.

1. Understand that Clinical Depression is a Psychological Condition

Your child will benefit in two ways from your internalization of this fact. One, it should prevent you from blaming your child or yourself. Nobody is to blame for this. The second benefit is that you won’t say something silly to your child, such as, “Why don’t you just pull yourself together,” or “Stop feeling sorry for yourself,” if you view depression as a disease rather than a choice they are making.

2. Try Not to Panic

Your child won’t benefit at all from your panicking. More than 80% of the time, clinical depression can be successfully treated. Your child has a very good chance of recovering as long as they have a reliable doctor and understanding parents.

3. Do Your Homework

Try reading up on the signs, causes, and remedies for depression. The more informed you are, particularly regarding available treatments, the more effectively you can speak up for your child both at school and in the healthcare system.

4. Explain to Your Child that Experiencing Depression is Normal

Something that kids believe is that telling their parents about their struggles or perceived flaws will upset them. Create a safe space for your child and tell them that nothing they could possibly say would bother you more than if you were unable to assist them as they were afraid to confide in you.

5. Communicate with Your Child Regularly

This might be a difficult task. Children can be reserved, as any parent who has ever asked their children how school was and received the response “Fine” will attest to. Talking is usually the last thing someone wants to do when they’re depressed. Give your child some low-stress, low-distraction opportunities to chat with you, like going on a stroll or cooking a meal together.

6. Be an Advocate for Your Child in the HealthCare System

Verify if their doctor is informed, compassionate, and a good listener. By seeking psychiatric services on your child’s behalf, you can take control of their care. Make sure your child attends all of their visits and takes their medication as directed. The only thing that will change anything is treatment, whether it be through therapy, medication, or both.

7. The “S” word Need not be Feared

You might be reluctant to inquire about your child’s suicidal thoughts out of concern that you’ll accidentally put that idea in their head. Do not worry. Maybe they are already contemplating suicide, in which case talking about it might be extremely relieving. If they haven’t, discussing it openly will provide them the opportunity to do so if the situation changes.

8. Encourage Your Kid to Socialize

Even if a depressed person tends to avoid social events, encourage them. An individual going through this needs the support system that contact with friends and family can give them.

9. Encourage your Child to Get Help

Your child can overcome the self-destructive and self-hating thought patterns that depression causes by receiving therapy and non-invasive treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

10. Be Patient

Change won’t happen overnight, but your child will benefit from your continual attention and support. If you feel like you need help coping with the situation, be sure to seek professional assistance.