Emotional Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence
Contents
Diagnosis and Treatment
Emotional disorders in childhood and adolescence encompass a range of psychological difficulties characterised by intense, difficult-to-regulate or situation-inappropriate emotional reactions. Children and young people affected by these disorders often find it difficult to recognise, express or process their feelings appropriately.
The causes of emotional disorders can be varied and may be linked, amongst other things, to stressful life events, family conflicts, traumatic experiences or social challenges. Emotional disorders often occur alongside pronounced anxiety, particularly separation anxiety. These can significantly disrupt everyday school life and, in some cases, lead to school avoidance or prolonged absence from school.
Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents
At the Verus Clinic, we support children and young people with emotional difficulties, as well as their families, using a personalised, professionally grounded treatment approach. The aim is to provide guidance, help them better understand their emotional processes, and encourage coping strategies that are relevant to everyday life.
Our approach is holistic in nature and takes emotional, psychological and social aspects into account. Treatment takes place in a structured, supportive environment that conveys a sense of security, mindfulness and reliability. Trust, respect, transparency and professional care form the basis of our therapeutic work.
The multi-disciplinary team at the Verus Clinic attaches great importance to taking into account the individual circumstances and stress factors of each child or young person and tailoring the treatment accordingly.
Therapeutic Approaches to Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents
At the Verus Clinic, emotional disorders are treated using a multimodal approach. Depending on the severity, symptoms and personal circumstances, outpatient treatment or – where greater support is required – inpatient treatment may be appropriate.
Possible treatment approaches include, amongst others:
- Individual and group psychotherapy
- Play therapy techniques
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Systemic therapy involving the family
- Psychotherapeutic approaches based on depth psychology
- Family-centred interventions
In certain cases, medication may be considered as a complementary measure. This is always carried out following careful assessment by a specialist and is intended to support the therapeutic process.
Symptoms of Emotional Disorders in Children and Young People
Emotional disorders can manifest themselves in a wide variety of ways in children and young people. The symptoms affect emotional, behavioural and physical aspects.
Common signs may include:
- Severe mood swings that interfere with daily life
- Severe anxiety or phobic reactions
- Persistent sadness or a depressed mood
- Outbursts of anger or aggressive behaviour
- Social withdrawal or loss of interest
- Sleep or eating disorders
- Problems with self-esteem and self-image
- Separation anxiety from primary caregivers and school-avoidance behaviour
Not all symptoms occur at the same time. Their severity may vary from person to person and may change over time.
Diagnosis of Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents
At the Verus Clinic, the diagnosis of emotional disorders is based on a comprehensive and detailed assessment carried out by a multidisciplinary team. This involves in-depth discussions with the child or young person, as well as with their parents or carers.
This involves systematically assessing emotional state, behavioural patterns, social interactions and potential stress factors. Psychological testing methods may also be used to further classify the symptoms.
The aim of the assessment is to gain a well-founded overall picture, to distinguish emotional disorders from other mental or developmental disorders, and to establish a suitable basis for further support and treatment options.
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Our treatment methods
How We Can Treat You and Help You
Diagnostic procedures at the Verus Clinic therefore include a detailed initial medical history, selected psychological tests and the latest neuropsychological assessment methods.
Art Therapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment As a further means of facilitating access to inner psychological processes, art therapy has been successfully integrated into our therapeutic
Group Psychotherapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment Through dialogue with other group participants and by witnessing the inner psychological challenges each individual faces, you will realise that
Individual Psychotherapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment The aim of the one-to-one sessions is to bring about a change in these circumstances through helpful coping strategies, resource-based
Relaxation Treatment
Treatment methods About the Treatment Yoga, qigong and forest bathing bring peace and harmony to body, mind and soul. Relaxation helps you to become more
Trauma Therapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment Trauma arises when our physical and/or psychological integrity is violated and the person affected is left feeling helpless, at the
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