Common Reasons to Seek a General Psychiatry Assessment for Children and Adolescents
Children and teenagers can experience emotional and behavioural challenges that go beyond typical growing pains. While it’s normal for young people to struggle at times, certain patterns of mood, behaviour, or thinking can indicate an underlying mental health or neurodevelopmental condition that needs professional support.
A general psychiatry assessment for children and adolescents provides a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, and social functioning. It’s often the first step toward understanding what’s going on and finding the right treatment or support.
Here are some of the most common reasons parents, carers, and educators seek a general psychiatry assessment for children and teens:
Persistent Low Mood or Depression
If your child seems sad or withdrawn most days for several weeks or months, it may be more than a passing phase. Signs include:
Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy, such as sports, hobbies, or playing with friends
Feeling tired or having low energy almost every day
Changes in appetite or weight, either eating much more or much less than usual
Difficulty sleeping — struggling to fall asleep, waking up early, or sleeping excessively
Expressing feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or saying things like “I’m a failure”
Withdrawing from family and friends, spending increasing time alone
A psychiatry assessment can help clarify if depression or another mood disorder is present and guide you toward the right support.
Anxiety or Excessive Worry
Feeling nervous before a big event or test is normal, but when anxiety starts interfering with daily life, it’s a sign to seek help. Watch for:
Refusing to go to school, experiencing panic on school mornings
Avoiding social situations, like parties or even speaking with classmates
Physical symptoms without medical cause, such as stomachaches, headaches, nausea, or dizziness
Constant worry or fears, such as fear of something bad happening to themselves or their family
Excessive reassurance-seeking, frequently asking questions like “Am I okay?” or “Do you still love me?”
Difficulty relaxing or appearing tense most of the time
A general psychiatry assessment can help identify different types of anxiety disorders (e.g., separation anxiety, social anxiety, or generalized anxiety) and recommend evidence-based treatments.
Significant Behavioural Challenges
Frequent aggression, defiance, or intense emotional outbursts beyond what’s typical for age can impact family harmony and social relationships. Look for:
Severe tantrums lasting much longer or happening more often than in peers
Aggressive behaviours, including hitting, kicking, or threatening others
Extreme defiance, such as refusing reasonable requests or rules at home or school
Frequent arguments with adults or difficulty accepting limits
Damaging property during episodes of anger or frustration
Blaming others for their mistakes or misbehaviour, rarely taking responsibility
A psychiatry assessment can explore possible causes, such as emotional regulation difficulties, conduct disorders, trauma responses, or neurodevelopmental differences.
Social or Communication Difficulties
Some children struggle with making friends, understanding social cues, or engaging in reciprocal conversations. Possible signs include:
Difficulty initiating or maintaining friendships, or preferring to play alone
Unusual speech patterns, such as repeating phrases or speaking in a monotone voice
Intense, specific interests, focusing on one topic to the exclusion of others
Rigid routines or resistance to change, becoming upset by unexpected events
Struggling to interpret facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language
Overwhelming sensory sensitivities, such as strong reactions to noises, textures, or lights
A general psychiatry assessment can help identify Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), social communication disorders, or related conditions, offering clarity and guidance for support. We would always recommend a General Psychiatry Assessment as the first stage in our ASD assessment pathway as it helps rule out any other possible diagnoses.
Self-Harm or Thoughts of Suicide
Any signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously. Indicators include:
Talking about wanting to hurt themselves or expressing feelings of hopelessness
Engaging in self-injury, such as cutting, burning, or hitting themselves
Withdrawing from activities, isolating from friends or family
Giving away belongings or saying goodbye, which can be signs of suicidal thinking
Dramatic changes in mood, especially from depression to sudden calmness, which may suggest plans to act on suicidal thoughts
A psychiatry assessment can evaluate risk factors, develop a safety plan, and connect you with appropriate crisis and therapeutic support.
Unexplained Physical Symptoms
Some children experience repeated physical complaints with no clear medical explanation. Signs to watch for include:
Frequent headaches or stomachaches, especially if they seem to occur before school or stressful events
Nausea, dizziness, or vague aches, despite reassurance from doctors that everything is physically fine
School avoidance due to physical symptoms, which may signal underlying emotional distress
Physical symptoms linked to stress, like racing heart or shaking
A psychiatry assessment can help determine if somatic symptoms are related to anxiety, depression, or stress.
Concerns from School or Healthcare Professionals
Teachers, SENCOs, or GPs often notice changes in a child’s behaviour or performance. Reasons they might suggest a psychiatry assessment include:
Falling behind academically despite normal intelligence
Disruptive behaviours that affect classroom learning
Changes in mood or participation, such as becoming withdrawn or irritable
Social difficulties, including frequent conflicts with peers or teachers
Teacher reports of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, impacting classroom engagement
A psychiatry assessment can clarify the cause of these concerns and help coordinate support with the school or healthcare providers.
Changes After Trauma or Major Life Events
Children sometimes struggle to adjust after significant stressors. Watch for:
Persistent sadness or anxiety after events like parental separation, bereavement, or bullying
Regressive behaviours, like bedwetting or baby talk in younger children
Avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event, such as refusing to visit certain places
Sudden changes in school performance or friendships, coinciding with stressful events
Hypervigilance, startling easily or seeming constantly on edge
Sleep disturbances, including nightmares or insomnia
A psychiatry assessment can help children process these events, manage emotional reactions, and build resilience.
Final Thoughts
A general psychiatry assessment for children and adolescents provides clarity when your child shows signs of emotional, behavioural, or social difficulties. Early assessment can make a significant difference by guiding you toward effective interventions and support.
At Matter of Health, our experienced clinicians conduct thorough assessments following NICE guidelines, ensuring accurate understanding and tailored recommendations.
Book a General Psychiatry Assessment for Your Child Today
Don’t wait if you’re concerned — getting help early can change your child’s trajectory and give them the tools they need to thrive.
