When should I take my child to a psychologist?

Some signs can warn us that it is necessary to consult a professional.

Being a parent is one of the most enriching experiences for human beings, but it can also be a very stressful situation, especially the first time.But it can also be a very stressful situation, especially the first time. Any physical symptom (sneezing, coughing or fever) may force you to go to the doctor as soon as possible. Unfortunately, physical problems or illnesses are not the only concern for parents who, above all, want a healthy development of their child.

When should I take my child to a psychologist?

The psychological problems or mental disorders should also be taken into account at an early age, because effective treatment at this age will have a positive impact on a child's future. However, if the problem is overlooked and not treated properly, the consequences can be negative and symptoms can worsen over time.

Diagnosis and treatment at an early age are important.

But how do you know if your child needs to go to the doctor? how do you know if your child needs to see a psychologist or other mental health professional? Are there signs that can alert you that something is wrong? Although it may be fine 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 are important to minimize its negative effects.

Disorders that can develop during childhood

There are quite a few mental disorders or disorders of psychological origin that begin in infancy, childhood or adolescence. According to the DSM-IV-TR we can find:

• Pervasive developmental disordersAutistic Disorder, Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger's Disorder.
• Mental retardation
• Learning disordersReading disorder, numeracy disorder, written expression disorder.
• Disorders of motor skills
• Communication disordersexpressive language disorder, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, phonological disorder, stuttering
• Attention deficit disorders and disruptive behavior disordersADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, dissocial disorder
• Disorders of ingestion and eating behavior of infancy or childhood of infancy or childhood
• Tic disordersTourette syndrome, chronic motor or vocal tic disorder, transient tic disorder.
• Disorders of the eliminationEncopresis, Enuresis
• Other childhood disordersThere are also other disorders that can develop at these ages, such as: bipolar disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or schizophrenia.

There are also other disorders that may develop at these ages, such as bipolar disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or schizophrenia.

Symptoms that children with a psychological disorder may have

The following list shows some symptoms that may indicate the presence of psychological disorders:

• Trouble falling asleep
• Frequent nightmares or night terrors
• Strange behaviors
• Intense fear
• Excessive aggression
• Regressive behavior (acting out behaviors from earlier ages)
• Attention and reading problems
• Slow language or speech development
• Lack of appropriate emotional responses
• Bedwetting at older ages
• Withdrawal and social relationship problems
• Hyperactivity
• Hearing voices or talking to self
• Child claims to see things that do not exist
• Complains of stomachaches, headaches, or other physical symptoms on a very frequent basis
• Repetitive and obsessive behaviors
• Frequent irritability
• Discouragement most of the time

It should not be forgotten that these symptoms could indicate that the child has a disorder, but each pathology has specific symptoms. 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 find out for sure and start a specific treatment if necessary.