Being a father or mother is one of the most enriching experiences of the human being, but it can also be a very stressful situation, especially the first time. Any physical symptom (sneezing, cough or fever) can be interpreted as a sign that you should go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, physical problems or illnesses are not the only concern that parents have who, above all, want the healthy development of their child. For this reason, many parents, especially first-time parents, ask themselves when observing the behavior of the little one in the house: When should I take my child to the psychologist? In this article we will give some guidelines to answer it.
The psychological problems or mental disorders must also be taken into account at an early age, because effective treatment at these ages will positively condition a child’s future.
However, if the problem is allowed to pass and is not treated appropriately, the consequences can be negative and the symptoms can worsen over time. It must be taken into account that childhood is a key stage of psychological development and if children experience serious crises that are not attended to, they can become chronic and affect their personality in a negative way, so that in adulthood it will be more complicated to intervene in psychotherapy.
Diagnosis and treatment at an early age are important
But… How do you know if your child needs to go to a psychologist or another mental health professional? Are there signs that can alert you that something is wrong? Although it may be good to consult other family members or friends who have been parents before, There are clear symptoms that should not be ignored
If a child shows signs of a mental disorder, early diagnosis and treatment (adapted to the characteristics of the problem presented by the minor) are important to minimize its negative effects.
Disorders that can develop during childhood
There are many mental disorders or disorders of psychological origin that begin in infancy, childhood or adolescence. According to the DSM-IV-TR we can find:
There are also other disorders that can develop at these ages, such as: bipolar disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or schizophrenia.
Symptoms that children with a psychological disorder may present
The list below shows some symptoms that may indicate the presence of psychological disorders:
We must not forget that these symptoms that could indicate that the child suffers from some disorder, but Each pathology has specific symptoms Even so, these symptoms are indicators that something is wrong with the child, and it would be advisable to consult a specialist to clear up doubts and start specific treatment if necessary.
On the other hand, remember that it is possible to attend a first exploratory session with a child psychotherapist to clarify whether or not there is a disorder that should be addressed through psychological therapy, and that this first visit does not mean that the treatment begins at that moment. . Once the problem is detected, the psychologists inform the parents about what they have been able to observe so that they know at all times what intervention proposal is going to be carried out, if it is necessary.
