Pediatric psychologists work with children and adolescents who may be experiencing a range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues. Some common disorders that may be treated by a pediatric psychologist include:
- Anxiety disorders. This includes disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.
- Mood disorders. This includes disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): This disorder is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior.
- Eating disorders. This includes disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
- Behavioral disorders. This includes disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and disruptive behavior disorder not otherwise specified (DBD-NOS).
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD. This is a disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as abuse, violence, or a natural disaster.
- Learning disorders. This includes disorders such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.
- Developmental disorders: This includes disorders such as intellectual disability, developmental delay, and communication disorders.
Pediatric psychologists may use a range of techniques and interventions to treat these and other disorders, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, parent training, and social skills training. The treatment plan will be tailored to the specific needs of each child and family, and may involve collaboration with other healthcare providers as well.
Overall, the goal of a pediatric psychologist is to promote healthy development and well-being in children by addressing their emotional, behavioral, and social needs. They work closely with families and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive, individualized care to children and adolescents.