Child Psychiatry Department in Israel
Unfortunately, stigma surrounding psychiatric disorders still exists and is even more prevalent in child psychiatry. The decision regarding the necessity of treatment for children is most often made by their parents, who are frequently trapped by stigmas and fears such as “turning their child into a vegetable after therapy,” “ruining their child’s future if they see a psychiatrist,” the inability to enter university, obtain a driver’s license, pursue certain professions with a psychiatric diagnosis, etc.
All these fears are understandable and important, but they do not reflect reality. Most importantly, they rob a child of the opportunity for a happy childhood and a healthy adaptation to adult life. This is, in fact, the primary goal of all parents. Therefore, if you notice symptoms in your child that may indicate certain psychiatric disorders, seek professional help immediately.
Contact us today to ensure your child’s future is in the best hands!
Key Challenges in Child Psychiatry
Child psychiatric disorders should be clearly distinguished from personality traits and educational neglect, which often manifest with similar symptoms. Moreover, when treating children, psychiatrists face the following challenges:
- Behavioral and intellectual development norms differ by age and physiology, significantly complicating the diagnosis of mental deviations and disorders.
- The necessity to involve parents in treatment since, in most cases, children cannot properly express their feelings and emotions, understand the principle of psychotherapeutic treatment, and apply it in practice.
- Minimal use of medications – they are prescribed only when absolutely necessary.
For this reason, child psychiatrists working at TAMC are unique specialists who know how to overcome these challenges, make an accurate diagnosis, and correctly prescribe treatment. Our specialists use psychotherapeutic and psychological methods that allow identifying the cause of problems rather than just treating the symptoms of a disorder.
Advantages of Treatment at the TAMC Child Psychiatry Department
- Confidentiality of data: We offer anonymous patient consultations as well as online appointment scheduling.
- Progressive treatment methods: We use medication treatment only when absolutely necessary – experience has shown that psychotherapeutic assistance is often more effective.
- Non-medication treatment: Psychotherapy, physiotherapy, biofeedback therapy, diet therapy, occupational therapy, and other methods.
- High qualification of doctors: Our psychiatrists continuously improve their expertise and stay updated on the latest developments in psychiatry.
Conditions Treated at TAMC’s Child Psychiatry Department
Our specialists provide psychological, psychiatric, speech therapy, and social assistance to children. The multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, speech therapists, psychologists, and social workers. We offer psychiatric diagnosis, psychological correction, psychoprophylaxis, and social support.
Common Reasons for Seeking Treatment:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Childhood Depression
- Childhood Schizophrenia
- Developmental Delays in Children
- Neuroses in Children
- Child Psychoses
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Uncontrollable Aggression in a Child
- Treatment of Conditions Leading to Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents
- Cruelty and Aggression in Adolescents
- Treatment of “Difficult” Adolescents
- Tourette Syndrome
- Intellectual Disabilities of Varying Degrees
- Anxiety Disorders in Children
- Psychosomatic Disorders in Children
Early intervention can make all the difference. Call us now to schedule an assessment with our experts in child psychiatry!
Psychological Support for Children with Chronic Illnesses
TAMC’s child psychiatry department also assists children from other hospital units and their families, including:
- Psychological support for children receiving treatment in surgical, oncological, neurological, ICU, pediatric gynecology, and other departments.
- Emotional and behavioral support for hospitalized children and their families.
- Counseling for parents of premature infants to enhance their adaptation process.
- Preparation of children and their parents for surgical interventions and other medical procedures.
- Support for parents dealing with grief, stress, or chronic illnesses in children.
- Prevention of psychosomatic complications, adaptation disorders, and “hospitalization syndrome.” Psychologists provide psychological support aimed at developing adaptation mechanisms to overcome stress and prevent psychosomatic complications.
Diagnostic Methods in Child Psychiatry
Diagnosis includes several stages. The first is an interview with the doctor (often involving parents, depending on the child’s age) and psychological diagnostic tests. These tests allow specialists to assess perception, thinking, memory, and other mental processes of the brain. The doctor always treats the patient and their condition with respect.
The second stage is instrumental diagnostics. The cause of many mental disorders is genetic defects, which can only be diagnosed through special laboratory and instrumental tests. Our clinic is equipped with modern devices allowing us to conduct all necessary examinations:
- Laboratory tests of blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (general clinical, biochemical, hormonal, immunological, toxicological, and others as needed).
- Molecular genetic studies that identify certain mutations associated with a specific psychiatric disorder (e.g., severe autism or intellectual developmental disorders in children).
- Functional methods for assessing the nervous system (EEG, EMG).
- Modern neuroimaging methods (CT, MSCT, MRI, angiography).
- Neurological and general somatic status assessment of the patient.
After additional diagnostic stages, the child is re-examined by one of the leading child psychiatrists at TAMC, where a precise and detailed diagnosis is established, followed by the development of a treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Get started today with an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Contact us now!
Treatment Methods in Child Psychiatry
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Treatment
TAMC’s specialists provide comprehensive ASD therapy, focusing on social adaptation and communication skills development. The program includes:
- Individual and group psychotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Parental training
- Safe medication options, if needed
- Diet therapy
- Experimental stem cell therapy for autism
Childhood Schizophrenia Treatment
Childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) is a severe and rare psychiatric disorder that begins before the age of 12 and is characterized by chronic persistence. This is a rare but challenging condition to treat.
As with adults, the main treatment for schizophrenia in children is antipsychotic therapy. However, these drugs have many side effects, making them undesirable for children. TAMC specialists begin treatment for childhood schizophrenia with a complex non-medication approach and resort to medications only when necessary.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Severe Cases
DBS is a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in children, certain movement disorders, Tourette’s Syndrome, and severe depression that does not respond to complex therapy with antidepressants and psychotherapy.
During the procedure, electrodes are implanted in a specific brain region and connected to a generator that sends electrical impulses to the brain. The settings are adjusted based on the patient’s condition. The rehabilitation period lasts 3-4 days, focusing on wound healing.
Modern Psychotherapy Techniques at TAMC
Our child psychiatry department provides a comprehensive range of psychotherapeutic methods, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Family Therapy
- Interaction Therapy
- Art & Music Therapy
- Play Therapy (including equine and dolphin therapy)
Choose TAMC to give your child the opportunity to thrive. Schedule a consultation today!