Child and adolescent psychiatrist

Child psychiatry is a medical discipline distinct from adult psychiatry. A child is not a miniature adult: psychological distress is seldom expressed in coherent words, but more often through the body, movement, behavioural regression or difficulties at school. The child psychiatrist has extensive expertise in the major stages of neurodevelopment, secure attachment, genetics and family systems dynamics. As a specialist doctor, they are qualified to detect neurodevelopmental disorders early and coordinate the necessary multidisciplinary assessments involving speech and language therapists, psychomotor therapists and neuropsychologists.

A child psychiatric consultation always involves a close alliance with the parents. The first appointment traces the pregnancy, birth and acquisition of motor and language skills, alongside the family and school context. The doctor then makes time to observe and play directly with the child. Drawing, modelling clay and figurines are particularly useful ways for children to enact their inner worlds and anxieties. With adolescents, the setting provides the private, confidential space essential for discussing sexuality, their relationship with their body, addictions or distress at school, while maintaining a relationship of trust with their parents.

Consulting a child psychiatrist is recommended when there is suspected attention-deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), disabling school phobia, anorexia or bulimia, self-harm, serious sleep disorders or childhood trauma. Alongside medical care and any specific psychotropic medication, which is strictly regulated for minors, the child psychiatrist plays a key role in arranging official educational accommodations, such as an additional third of examination time, classroom assistance or a reduced curriculum, to protect the child’s education and life trajectory.

The child psychiatrist’s work extends beyond the consulting room. They prepare the medical assessments needed for applications for a school support assistant (AVS) or an individualised schooling plan (PPS). They communicate regularly with teachers, speech and language therapists and psychomotor therapists to create a coherent, caring safety net around the developing child.