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Between 7 and 12 million American youth suffer from mental, behavioral or developmental disorders at any given time. In many cases, younger patients referred for treatment suffer from not one, but two or three of the most common mental illnesses among children; for example a young person might be diagnosed with ADHD and depression.

UT Southwestern Medical Center psychiatrists, psychologists and other clinicians provide services on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Outpatient care is less disruptive to a child’s routine, allowing the child to continue with school and other activities. Children with more serious problems may require hospitalization.

Pinpointing signs of mental illness early is crucial for positive long-term outcomes in children and adolescents. UT Southwestern Medical Center’s physicians and researchers have access to the latest scientific findings and treatments for psychiatric illnesses that affect children and adolescents, including:
Autism: This disorder affects a child’s socialization and communication. UT Southwestern’s pediatric psychiatrists are trained to diagnose autism and to help families design and implement an appropriate treatment plan. They can also help families cope with stress that may be associated with having an autistic child.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Psychiatrists and psychologists at UT Southwestern are experts at diagnosing and treating children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment typically involves pharmacotherapy, non-medication therapies and, in some cases, techniques to improve learning.
Anxiety disorders: UT Southwestern provides psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
Bipolar disorder: UT Southwestern’s bipolar specialists provide consultation and psychiatric evaluation. They use the latest treatment approaches, including pharmacological treatments and/or alternative or complementary treatments.
Conduct disorders: These disorders refer to a group of behavioral and emotional problems manifested in youngsters who don’t behave in a socially acceptable way. Depending on the root of the problem, treatment may include behavior therapy, psychotherapy or medication.
Depression: Depression is sometimes found in children, and major depressive disorder affects 5 percent of American teens. UT Southwestern uses effective treatments for depression, such as medication and/or psychotherapy, that can improve a young patient’s overall function and offer a better quality of life. They may also look for other disorders – such as learning disorders or ADHD – that may be related to a patient’s depression.
Eating disorders: UT Southwestern’s program provides quality care for children and adolescents who suffer from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Treatments include individual and group counseling, psychological intervention, therapeutic meals, medical supervision, relapse prevention, living skills, family and relationship support, nutritional counseling, medication management and after-care support.
Learning disorders: UT Southwestern psychiatrists, psychologists and other clinicians diagnose learning disorders such as ADHD, dyslexia, and auditory and visual processing disorders. They may team with social workers, occupational therapists or speech and language specialists to treat these conditions.
Pervasive developmental disorders: These are also called autism spectrum disorders and include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger syndrome and Rett syndrome. Autism is the most severe. Treatment may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training and behavioral therapy.
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a potentially disabling chronic illness whose treatment has advanced remarkably within the past 10 years. UT Southwestern offers treatments for this condition that can improve a patient’s functioning and quality of life.

Please visit the Health Library to learn more about child and adolescent psychiatric conditions.

Pinpointing signs of mental illness early is crucial for positive long-term outcomes in children and adolescents. UT Southwestern Medical Center’s physicians and researchers have access to the latest scientific findings and treatments for psychiatric illnesses that affect children and adolescents, including:
Autism: This disorder affects a child’s socialization and communication. UT Southwestern’s pediatric psychiatrists are trained to diagnose autism and to help families design and implement an appropriate treatment plan. They can also help families cope with stress that may be associated with having an autistic child.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Psychiatrists and psychologists at UT Southwestern are experts at diagnosing and treating children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment typically involves pharmacotherapy, non-medication therapies and, in some cases, techniques to improve learning.
Anxiety disorders: UT Southwestern provides psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
Bipolar disorder: UT Southwestern’s bipolar specialists provide consultation and psychiatric evaluation. They use the latest treatment approaches, including pharmacological treatments and/or alternative or complementary treatments.
Conduct disorders: These disorders refer to a group of behavioral and emotional problems manifested in youngsters who don’t behave in a socially acceptable way. Depending on the root of the problem, treatment may include behavior therapy, psychotherapy or medication.
Depression: Depression is sometimes found in children, and major depressive disorder affects 5 percent of American teens. UT Southwestern uses effective treatments for depression, such as medication and/or psychotherapy, that can improve a young patient’s overall function and offer a better quality of life. They may also look for other disorders – such as learning disorders or ADHD – that may be related to a patient’s depression.
Eating disorders: UT Southwestern’s program provides quality care for children and adolescents who suffer from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Treatments include individual and group counseling, psychological intervention, therapeutic meals, medical supervision, relapse prevention, living skills, family and relationship support, nutritional counseling, medication management and after-care support.
Learning disorders: UT Southwestern psychiatrists, psychologists and other clinicians diagnose learning disorders such as ADHD, dyslexia, and auditory and visual processing disorders. They may team with social workers, occupational therapists or speech and language specialists to treat these conditions.
Pervasive developmental disorders: These are also called autism spectrum disorders and include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger syndrome and Rett syndrome. Autism is the most severe. Treatment may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training and behavioral therapy.
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a potentially disabling chronic illness whose treatment has advanced remarkably within the past 10 years. UT Southwestern offers treatments for this condition that can improve a patient’s functioning and quality of life.

Please visit the Health Library to learn more about child and adolescent psychiatric conditions.

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