Attention or activity concerns
All psychiatric servicesArea of care
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
ADHD, emotional or behavioural concerns, school refusal, anxiety and depression.
Confidential English and Hindi Detailed assessment
Beyond the symptom list
Care that considers the child and family together
Good care connects symptoms with sleep, health, relationships, responsibilities and the support available around the person.
Understanding the concern
The experience matters as much as the label.
Young people express distress differently from adults. Assessment considers development, home, school, relationships, physical health and the young person’s own experience.
You do not need to identify the condition yourself before consulting. Begin with what has changed, how long it has continued and how it is affecting everyday life.
School refusal or sudden decline
Persistent anxiety or low mood
Emotional or behavioural difficulties
What assessment considers
A symptom can have more than one explanation.
The pattern
When symptoms began, their frequency, severity and effect on work, study, sleep or relationships.
Health and medicines
Physical illness, prescribed medicines, substances and relevant investigations where needed.
Life context
Recent changes, stress, family observations, support systems and the person’s own priorities.
Safety and urgency
Any immediate concern involving self-harm, severe agitation, confusion or inability to remain safe.
A closer clinical view
A child’s assessment needs more than a symptom checklist
The same behaviour can mean different things at different ages. Understanding development, school demands, family observations and the child’s own account helps avoid premature labels.
Development and history
The consultation considers early development, learning, sleep, physical health, previous treatment and whether the concern appears across more than one setting.
Home, school and the young person
Parents and teachers may see different parts of the problem. Older children and adolescents are also given suitable private space to describe their experience.
Overlapping concerns
Attention problems may overlap with anxiety, depression, learning difficulty, poor sleep, autism traits or stressful experiences, so diagnostic clarification matters.
How care may help
A treatment plan should make sense in real life.
Care is decided after assessment. Depending on the concern, it may include clear explanations, practical changes, psychotherapy guidance, medication or coordination with another specialist.
Questions people often ask before consulting
Do parents attend the consultation?
Usually parents or caregivers contribute important information, while older children and adolescents also benefit from appropriate private conversation.
Should school reports be brought to the appointment?
Recent reports, teacher observations and previous assessments can be helpful, especially for attention, learning, attendance or behavioural concerns.
Does every child need medicine?
No. Recommendations depend on the concern and may include parent guidance, school support, psychological intervention, medical review or medication when indicated.
Urgent help: If there is immediate danger, suicidal intent, severe confusion, violent behaviour or inability to remain safe, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.