ANXIETY DISORDERS IN CHILDREN

SEPARATION ANXIETY DISORDER

This disorder is usually found in children over the age of 2 years. It is characterised by excessive fear of being away from the caregiver.  The child has an irrational fear that something might happen to the caregiver or them while they are apart. The child displays this disorder through behaviours like throwing tantrums, excessively clinging to the caregiver, excessive crying, screaming and threatening to commit suicide.

THERAPY

Dr. Dullet helps the client understand the root causes of anxiety and the power of thoughts and assists them in changing negative thoughts and regulation of emotions. Various relaxation techniques are also taught to manage the stress. Exposure- response therapy and CBT are found to be most effective as per her experience in mental health service.

DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN

DISRUPTIVE MOOD REGULATION

This disorder is found in children. Children express depressive symptoms in different manner as compared to adults. This condition is characterised by extreme irritability, agitation, anger and intense outbursts of anger.

THERAPY

Dr. Dullet uses behaviour activation techniques to combat negative thought process, regulate emotions, improve communication and peer relationship and enhance ability to solve problems. She also focuses on building healthy coping strategies required in adapting to changes in personal roles and relationships. A comprehensive therapy package that includes individual as well as family  is designed to facilitate the healing.  

STRESS IN CHILDREN

REACTIVE ATTACHMENT DISORDER

This disorder is prevalent in children due to formation of  unhealthy attachment and relationship with parents during childhood. Such children remain withdrawn from caregivers and express emotional and social disturbances.

THERAPY

We can effectively deal with  stress by developing and learning healthy coping strategies. Dr. Dullet facilitates  clients to learn about sources of stress in their lives, as well as ways that they have tried to manage stress in the past. Once she  has learned about their personal stressors she will recommend a program to help them de-stress. A most suitable technique is chosen after studying the case properly.   Dr. Dullet  works with children and their parents to tailor a stress reduction program for their particular needs.

DISRUPTIVE DISORDERS

OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER

This disorder is found in children under the age of 18. This condition is characterised by defiance against opposition, anger, irritability and vindictive attitude and behaviour. They refuse to comply with adult instructions and requests almost all the time. They also engage in behaviours to purposely annoy others. As a result they are criticized and declared as black-sheeps.

CONDUCT DISORDER

This condition is characterized by age inappropriate behaviour in children under the age of 18. Some of the symptoms of this disorder are; expression of aggression towards people, animals. Destruction of other’s property, deceiving and cheating people,stealing, violation of rules and social norms etc. This disorder leads to serious repercussions and hinders child’s academic progress,work and social life.

THERAPY

Dr. Dullet uses individual parent behaviour therapy with child participation. Behaviour modification techniques are also applied to replace negative behaviour patterns with more adaptive ones.

NEURO-DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Child’s brain is in a process of continual development and keeps getting modified as per the environment provided to it. Neuro-developmental disorders are multifaceted conditions resulting from developmental brain dysfunction at an early age. These may get reflected in the form of problems in speech, learning language, writing, non-verbal communication.

THERAPY

 Early identification of these disorders is very important so that a suitable treatment package can be designed and applied for maximum benefit. The treatment depends on the type of disorder and principal needs of the client. Dr. Dullet assesses the problem and designs a therapy package along with parents as per the needs of the client.  Therapies like behaviour modification, psychological rehabilitation and special education are quite useful in dealing with these disorders. Family counseling is also very crucial and is considered an important part of the package.

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

It refers to the sub-average ability to understand and reason rationally and limitations in adaptive behaviours; self care, living skills and social skills etc. This condition originates prior to the age of 18.Standardised I.Q. tests are used for the assessment of ID.

SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES

It is a spectrum of disorder charaectrized by limitations  in reading, writing, listening, speaking, spelling, thinking and calculations etc.

DYSLEXIA

Affects reading ability and other related language based skills. It is characterized by poor reading fluency, poor reading comprehension, difficulty in recalling and spellings, etc.

DYSGRAPHIA

It affects person’s writing ability. It is characterized by poor fine motor skills, difficulty composing and organising writing, poor spelling ability and thinking & writing at the same time.

DISCALCULIA

It is characterized by poor ability to understand numbers, poor comprehension of math symbols. May struggle with memorizing numbers and difficulty in learning shapes and telling time.

ADHD/ADD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is charactrised by difficulty staying focused and paying and sustaining attention. Symptoms like impulsivity and hyperactivity are hallmarks of this disorder. It affects child’s success at school and his/her relationships.

THERAPY

Children suffering from ADHD show impairment in social skills, problem solving, active listening skills, self control, dealing with emotions and expressing emotions. Dr. Dullet  helps her clients develop insight into their difficulties and supports them as they address a difficulty and help them identify what might work for them and what could be improved upon.  She tailors the therapeutic  program as per the age and needs of the client.