Psychiatric treatment for children and adolescents

No. A diagnosis is not meant to “label” a child, but rather helps to better understand difficulties and find the appropriate support. Many diagnoses describe developmental characteristics or treatable mental illnesses.

No. Quite the opposite. Medication is only recommended if it is medically indicated. Diagnostics, counseling, or psychotherapy are often the priority at first.

No. The goal is never to change personality. A well-adjusted treatment should help your child better develop their strengths and suffer less from debilitating symptoms.

No. Medications used for ADHD do not lead to addiction when taken as prescribed. They have been scientifically studied for decades and are considered a safe and effective treatment under medical supervision.

Not always. Untreated mental illnesses can significantly affect school, self-esteem, friendships, and overall development. Together, we will carefully weigh the benefits and risks of treatment.

No. Many medications are only used temporarily. We regularly review together whether the treatment is still necessary or can be adjusted.

This depends on the specific illness. In many cases, there are effective alternatives such as psychotherapy, parent counseling, or school support. We will discuss together what options are available and what the consequences of not treating it could be.

Sometimes yes. For many mild to moderate conditions, psychotherapy is the first-choice treatment. For other conditions, a combination of psychotherapy and medication may yield the best results.

No. The goal is not to make children “quiet,” but to alleviate distressing symptoms. A child should remain lively, curious, and entirely themselves under good treatment.

According to the current state of scientific knowledge, there is no evidence that licensed medications, when used correctly, harm the developing brain. Untreated mental illnesses, on the other hand, can significantly impair development.

Before starting, you will receive detailed information. During treatment, we regularly monitor the effectiveness, possible side effects, growth, weight, and—depending on the medication—blood pressure, pulse, or blood counts.

Medication does not treat intelligence. However, it can reduce symptoms such as inattentiveness, strong impulsivity, or anxiety. This makes learning significantly easier for many children.

No. A good medication setting does not cause children to have no feelings. If your child seems unusually changed, we will review the treatment immediately and adjust it if necessary.

No. Mental illnesses are common and treatable. Early treatment often significantly improves long-term development and quality of life.

Only with your express consent. The medical confidentiality obligation naturally also applies in child and adolescent psychiatry.

If your child is suffering noticeably for a prolonged period, changes significantly, can no longer cope with everyday life, injures themselves, or expresses suicidal thoughts, professional help should be sought quickly. The earlier treatment begins, the better the treatment outcomes generally are.

Yes. Almost all parents come to their first appointment with worries and uncertainties. That's why we take time for your questions, explain diagnoses and treatment options clearly, and make all decisions together with you. Our goal is a treatment that is scientifically sound, transparent, and individually tailored to your child.