Childhood and adolescence are periods of significant emotional, psychological, and developmental change. During these stages, it is normal for children and teenagers to experience shifts in behaviour, mood, identity, and social functioning.
However, when behaviour, emotions, or development appear significantly different from what is expected for a child’s age or begin to interfere with functioning at home, school, or in relationships, further assessment may be helpful.
Dr Clementine Chawane is a specialist psychiatrist with a particular interest in child and adolescent mental health. She provides comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a range of emotional, behavioural, learning, and developmental conditions in children and teenagers.
When to Be Concerned
Parents, caregivers, or teachers may seek professional help when a child or adolescent shows:
Noticeable changes in behaviour or mood
Ongoing difficulties at school or with learning
Social withdrawal or relationship challenges
Persistent emotional distress or irritability
Behaviour that is significantly different from peers
A psychiatric assessment can help clarify whether these concerns reflect a developmental variation, emotional difficulty, or a diagnosable mental health condition.
Common Child and Adolescent Conditions
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Children or adolescents with ADHD may experience:
Difficulty sustaining attention
Excessive restlessness or hyperactivity
Impulsivity and difficulty waiting turns
Fidgeting or difficulty staying still
Interrupting others or blurting out answers
Challenges with organisation and task completion
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum conditions may involve:
Differences in social communication and interaction
Delayed or atypical speech development in some cases
Difficulty with eye contact or social reciprocity
Repetitive behaviours or routines
Sensory sensitivities
Anxiety in social situations
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
ODD may include:
Frequent temper outbursts
Argumentative or defiant behaviour toward adults
Easily becoming irritated or annoyed
Deliberately challenging rules or instructions
Blaming others for mistakes or behaviour
Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder may involve more severe behavioural difficulties such as:
Aggression toward people or animals
Bullying or physical fights
Destructive behaviour
Stealing or deceitful behaviour
Serious rule violations
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation
This condition is characterised by:
Severe and frequent temper outbursts
Persistent irritability or anger
Difficulty regulating emotional responses
Ongoing mood disturbance between outbursts
Depression in Children and Adolescents
Depression may present as:
Persistent sadness or low mood
Irritability or emotional sensitivity
Withdrawal from friends or activities
Changes in sleep or appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Tearfulness or emotional outbursts
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves mood episodes that may include:
Periods of elevated or irritable mood
Increased energy or reduced need for sleep
Impulsive or risky behaviour
Rapid speech or racing thoughts
Severe mood swings between highs and lows
In some cases, suicidal thoughts or behaviours
Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Eating-related difficulties may include:
Restrictive eating or refusal to eat certain foods
Episodes of overeating
Concerns about body image or weight
Noticeable weight changes
Anxiety or distress around meals
What Contributes to These Conditions?
Child and adolescent mental health conditions are influenced by a combination of factors, including:
Genetic and biological influences
Brain development and neurochemistry
Psychological and emotional factors
Family environment and relationships
School and social stressors
Trauma or adverse life experiences
These conditions are often complex and may involve more than one contributing factor.
Assessment and Treatment
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is essential to understand a child or adolescent’s emotional, behavioural, developmental, and cognitive functioning.
Dr Chawane develops individualised treatment plans based on each child’s needs and may include:
Medication where appropriate
Individual psychotherapy
Family therapy or parental guidance
Behavioural interventions
Psychoeducation for families and caregivers
School collaboration and support strategies
Occupational therapy input where needed
Multidisciplinary care with psychologists and social workers
Treatment often involves working closely with families to support emotional understanding, behaviour management, and healthy development.
When to Seek Help
If you are concerned about your child or teenager’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, or development, early assessment can provide clarity and support. With appropriate intervention, many children and adolescents experience significant improvement in functioning, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life.
“Take a proactive step towards understanding your mental health and reclaiming your sense of direction”
PODCASTS Mind Vault Podcast SA
A space for open, thoughtful conversations about mental health, identity, and everyday lived experience. Through the podcast, Dr Chawane shares insights, stories, and psychoeducation aimed at reducing stigma and making mental health more accessible.
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