I began my work with a specialist degree in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, awarded in 1988 by Pierre and Marie Curie University (Paris VI), having previously specialized in General Psychiatry. It wasn't until 2021 that this specialization became available in Spain.
Joaquín Díaz Atienza
La child and adolescent psychiatry Child and adolescent psychiatry is a medical specialty. This means that to obtain the specialty title, in countries where it exists, one needs to have a medical degree and subsequently complete a period of specialized training that is usually about six years.
During this training period, the future child psychiatrist must acquire knowledge in neuropediatrics, to deepen the knowledge of those pediatric diseases that can simulate or produce a psychological disorder, study all the biological aspects of mental and neuropsychiatric illnesses specific to childhood, deepen knowledge of the Child and developmental psychology, learn techniques of psychological intervention (psychotherapies) and, due to their biomedical training, to be responsible for the pharmacological treatments.
What is not a child psychiatrist? There is a false belief that the child psychiatrist is the professional who deals with the insane, with very serious or incurable cases. THIS IS NOT TRUEIt is true that, due to their medical training and the fact that they now work in conjunction with other professionals (psychologists, nurses, etc.), the most complex cases are usually left in the hands of the child psychiatrist. Likewise, there is another belief, fostered by certain groups, that The child psychiatrist only prescribes medication, while the psychologist performs psychotherapy.. Equally that's not trueThe child psychiatrist is prepared to perform psychotherapies, this being one of his fundamental activities.
Therefore, When should I see a child psychiatrist? When a child experiences a psychological, emotional, or behavioral problem, they should consult a child psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will perform a differential diagnosis to rule out any underlying medical conditions, conduct a diagnostic assessment of the psychological problem, and determine the most appropriate treatment: psychological or psychotherapeutic, pharmacological, psychosocial (family and school-based), or a combination of both.
COME WITHOUT PREJUDICE. Taking your child to a child psychiatrist doesn't mean they are crazy; it simply means you have decided to consult a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating childhood psychological and neuropsychiatric problems. Nor has it meant you have decided to prescribe medication.
WHAT WILL A CHILD PSYCHIATRIST DO IF MY CHILD SEEKS A CONSULTATION? The first step will be to perform a differential diagnosis with other psychological and medical problems that can clinically mimic the symptoms for which the consultation is sought. For this, the doctor will request the medical exams relevant, as well as the administration of the most appropriate questionnaires and/or tests. Once the diagnosis has been made, see if there is comorbidity with other child and adolescent psychiatric problems. Assess the possible neuropsychological deficits, assess what type of intervention is needed: psychotherapeutic (individual, psychosocial, family), pharmacological, etc.
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- El clinical psychologist He is a professional who has studied psychology and, some, have completed a specialized three-year training (currently four) as a Resident Intern that enables him to intervene in mental health problems in terms of diagnosis and psychological treatment.
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- El child and adolescent psychiatrist This is a professional who has studied medicine and, if they truly hold the degree, has completed six years of specialized training: four in psychiatry and two in pediatrics, specifically neuropediatrics. Their training qualifies them for diagnosis, psychological treatment, and psychopharmacological treatment (although the Spanish qualification differs).
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- El neuropediatrician This professional has studied medicine and, after a four-year specialization in pediatrics with a rotation in neuropediatrics (usually six months), is qualified to diagnose and treat childhood neurological diseases. Rotations in child psychiatry services are not included. Therefore, they do not have formal training in child and adolescent psychopathological disorders.
Joaquín Díaz Atienza – Child Psychiatrist
