Dr. Pavan Sonar, Psychiatrist & Sexologist, Mumbai

Practising in the field of child psychiatry (child psychiatrist) in Mumbai , understanding things as a child psychologist, have noticed many psychological problems which can be seen in children.

Children can suffer from the following psychiatric illnesses:

Anxiety disorders: 

Children with anxiety disorders respond to certain things or situations with fear and dread, as well as with physical signs of anxiety (nervousness), such as a rapid heartbeat and sweating.They may refuse to interact with other children or avoid going to school.
 
Disruptive behavior disorders: 

Children with these disorders tend to defy rules and often are disruptive in structured environments, such as school.
 
Pervasive development disorders: 

Refers to a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others, to communicate, and to use imagination. Children with these disorders are confused in their thinking and generally have problems understanding the world around them.
 
Eating disorders: 

Eating disorders involve intense emotions and attitudes, as well as unusual behaviors, associated with weight and/or food.
 
Elimination disorders: 

These disorders affect behavior related to the elimination of body wastes (feces and urine).
 
Mood disorders: 

These disorders involve persistent feelings of sadness and/or rapidly changing moods. Depression is very common in children and often ignored. It can at times lead to suicide in children and adolescents. 
 
Schizophrenia : 

This is a serious disorder that involves distorted perceptions and thoughts.
 
Tic disorders : 

These disorders cause a person to perform repeated, sudden, involuntary and often meaningless movements and sounds, called tics.

ADHD :

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental-health condition that has characteristics of difficulty concentrating, controlling impulses, and/or excessive activity.

ASD (AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS )

Complex developmental condition involves persistent challenges/problems in social interaction, speech development, communication with restricted &/ repetitive behaviors. May be with extreme sensitivity to touch,light, & sound (sensations)

Research shows that early diagnosis & intervention in autism are more likely to have major long term positive effects on symptoms and later skills.

Symptoms of Mental Illness in Children 

Children's symptoms vary depending on the type of mental illness, but some of the general symptoms could be seen as :

Changes in school performance, such as poor grades despite good efforts

Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol

Inability to deal with daily problems and activities

Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits

Excessive complaints of physical ailments

Defying parents or teachers, skipping school, stealing, or damaging property

Intense fear of gaining weight

Persistent negative moods, often accompanied by poor appetite and thoughts of death

Anger outbursts 

Loss of interest in friends and activities they usually enjoy

Significant increase in time spent alone

Excessive worrying or anxiety

Hyperactivity

Persistent nightmares or night terrors

Persistent disobedience or aggressive behavior

Frequent temper tantrums

Hearing voices inaudible to others or seeing things that are nonexistent 

You must have noticed that psychiatric symptoms in children are bit different than adults. So,parents and the child psychiatrist, both have to be extra vigilant and good listener as well.

Any child psychiatrist would treat children having

psychological problems by,

1. Psychological assessment by Psychological Testing

2. Medical testing

3. Medication 

    Appropriate to child's age and condition

4. Psychotherapies / Counselling 

For Appointment,

SMS/ WhatsApp on -

9920930911 

OR

9930316786

STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 

Email :

drpavansonar@gmail.com 

Dr.Pavan A. Sonar is consultant psychiatrist , psychotherapist , sexologist & counselor, providing  services to the patients & clients in the area of Mumbai suburbs. He has been serving areas including Andheri, Lokhandwala, Juhu, Goregaon ,Malad, Kandivali, Borivali & Dahisar.