Dallas
214-456-8899
Fax: 214-456-5953
Some children experience both a medical condition, like epilepsy, and a mental health condition, like anxiety. When medical doctors at Children’s Health℠ believe a child they’re treating needs mental health support, they call in our child psychiatry and psychology specialists. These experts work together with your child’s other doctors to make sure your child gets all the care they need, for all areas of their health.
The term “comorbidity” means that a person has one or more conditions. Someone with a psychiatric comorbidity has a mental, emotional or behavioral health issue in addition to another medical condition.
For example, a child with cancer may also experience depression. Their depression is not necessarily caused by their cancer. But the two conditions are related because they both affect the child’s overall health. When a child has psychiatric comorbidities, our medical doctors and mental health professionals work together to help them.
At Children’s Health, we see patients with medical conditions that can also have a wide range of psychiatric conditions.
These can include:
At Children’s Health, we take care of children with a wide range of medical problems. We recognize that children may also have mental health issues that they are struggling with that may be affecting their medical condition.
If your child’s medical doctor is concerned that your child may need some help with a mental health concern, they will reach out to one of our psychiatrists, psychologists or therapists and ask for their help. A member of the team will talk with you and your child about your child’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They may recommend treatment and in some cases may also provide care while your child is receiving medical care Children’s Health.
In general, psychiatric disorders can be caused by things like chemical imbalances in the brain, heredity, traumatic experiences or stress. A psychiatric comorbidity is not necessarily caused by having a medical condition, but children with a major medical diagnosis are more likely to have mental, emotional or behavioral health issues as well.
Child psychiatrists and psychologists work closely with your child’s doctors to understand your child’s needs and recommend the right treatment. Sometimes, we start treating your child’s psychiatric needs while they are in the hospital.
Our team consists of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors and social workers who all specialize in working with children.
The relationship between mental and physical health is deep and complex. One condition doesn't always cause another. But research shows that people with a long-term illness are more likely to develop psychiatric disorders.
People with psychiatric disorders are at higher risk of having long-term illnesses. When a child has multiple conditions, it can make their symptoms worse and harder to deal with.
Good mental health is important on its own, and it can also improve physical health. Psychiatric treatment can help children reduce or cope with symptoms. It can also help them be happier and more engaged at home and school.