What It Means to Maintain Behavioral Health

Maintaining good physical and behavioral health are essential for your child's growth. Because behavioral health issues can occur at any time during childhood, it's important to understand what resources are available to you. Your Marion, Va, pediatricians, Dr. Anita B. Henley, and George "Jeff" Jones, MD, are here to share important information about behavioral health.

What is behavioral health?

The term "behavioral health," also called mental or emotional health, is used to describe how your child reacts to and interacts with the world around him or her. It covers behavior, learning disabilities and psychological issues.

Why is it so important to maintain behavioral health?

Good behavioral health is just as important as physical health. Although children do grow out of some types of behaviors, other behavior only grow stronger if they don't receive treatment or therapy. Early intervention can help identify potential issues and identify treatments or strategies that will help your child cope with behavioral issues.

What are common childhood behavioral health issues?

Children can be affected by a range of behavioral health issues, including:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism and Asperger's syndrome
• Tourette's syndrome
• Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction
• Behavior disorders, such as conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder
• Anxiety and mood disorders

How can behavioral health issues impact my child's life?

Behavioral health issues can affect your child's ability to succeed in school and make friends. If not diagnosed and treated during childhood, these problems can have a profound impact on your child's life as an adult.

How can my child's Marion, VA, pediatrician help me maintain my child's behavioral health?

Your child's pediatrician is trained to diagnose many common childhood behavioral health issues and can address your concerns about your child's emotional growth and development. He or she can also provide referrals to psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, addiction specialists and other professionals who specialize in treating behavioral health issues in children and teenagers.

Are you concerned about a behavioral health issue? Call Marion, Va, pediatrician Anita B. Henley, DO, MD, or George "Jeff" Jones, MD, at (276) 783-8183 and schedule an appointment for your child today.