Behavioral Health and Your Child

Are you concerned about your youngster's behavior? Does she appear anxious, or does he exhibit anger for no apparent reason? At Royal Oak Pediatric Associates in Marion and Abingdon VA, our physicians prioritize behavioral health. Dr. Anita Henley, Dr. Tara Etter, and Dr. Leesa Lawrence head a caring team that discusses mental and behavioral issues with parents so children get the help they need.

Is behavior health that important?

Frankly, if your child has an undiagnosed and unaddressed behavioral health problem, the issue may follow him or her into adulthood. These issues frequently impact social, professional, and familial functioning and relationships. So, talk to your child's behavioral health specialist in Marion VA about the concerns you have about your child.

Symptoms of a problem

There are many, and they vary from child to child. However, some danger signs include:

• Mood swings
• Tantrums
• Poor concentration
• Changes in school performance
• Anger
• Frustration
• Social withdrawal

Your child's teacher, coach, neighbor, or parent of a friend may see the same problems you do or even observe issues you do not. Environmental problems such as stress in the home (divorce) and bullying at school or on the sports field may initiate or worsen symptoms. Also, your child's physical health, toxins, such as cigarette smoke, and genetics may play a significant role in behavioral health problems.

Getting help

As the parent, your first step is contacting Royal Oak Pediatric Associates to arrange a physical check-up. Sometimes behavior problems express systemic health issues. When you bring your child into the office, be sure to tell the behavioral health provider in Marion about your concerns and what if anything increases or decreases the severity of the symptoms.

After a complete physical exam, your child's doctor may refer you to a behavior health specialist for further evaluation. Royal Oak Pediatric Associates will remain your child's medical home, coordinating the care he or she needs outside our medical practice.

After a definitive diagnosis, your child may need medication, cognitive/behavior therapy, or a combination of all these modalities.

Common behavioral health problems

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that the most frequent behavioral health diagnosis among American children ages three to 17 is ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Other conditions include:

• OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Panic attacks
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Autistic spectrum disorders
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Learn more

At Royal Oak Pediatric Associates, Dr. Anita Henley, Dr. Tara Etter, and Dr. Leesa Lawrence want all their young patients happy, healthy, and well-functioning. That's why they want to help you with behavioral health problems as soon as they occur. For a compassionate consultation about your concerns, please contact our Marion or Abingdon VA office at (276) 783-8183.