{"id":169142,"date":"2022-02-17T15:29:08","date_gmt":"2022-02-17T09:59:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nayi-disha.org\/article\/"},"modified":"2026-06-05T10:02:47","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T04:32:47","slug":"questions-to-ask-childs-psychiatrist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nayi-disha.org\/article\/diagnosis-early-intervention\/questions-to-ask-childs-psychiatrist\/","title":{"rendered":"Questions to ask your child\u2019s Psychiatrist"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article offers a comprehensive guide to help parents understand how they can prepare for a doctor\u2019s visit. It also provides an overview of what questions to ask your child\u2019s psychiatrist.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Preparation for Doctor visits:<\/b><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Scheduling a visit to the psychiatrist can often seem daunting for parents. They might have been referred by their child\u2019s pediatrician, if delays in the child\u2019s developmental milestones were observed. Some points that can help plan the visit are:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. \u00a0 Try to schedule a time that is suitable for the child, as this helps in the child being comfortable for the visit.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. \u00a0 Make a note of things you would like to ask the psychiatrist. Taking videos of any specific situations that you would like to discuss<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. \u00a0 Explain clearly any concerns you might have pertaining to the child\u2019s developmental milestones. For example delay in motor skills, talking or sensory sensitivities that are out of the ordinary should be brought to the doctor\u2019s attention<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. \u00a0 If this is not the first visit to the psychiatrist, ensure that you carry any previous reports relevant to the child.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. \u00a0 Reports from the child\u2019s school and or therapists should also be provided to the psychiatrist. This will help in assessing the child\u2019s development through therapies. Any concerns or goals that were not achieved can also be discussed and assessed<\/span>.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Preparing the child:\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Preparing the child for doctor visits is also extremely important. Change in the regular routine, fear of hospitals, sitting at one place for long times can be some reasons for the child\u2019s reluctance to go to the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

    These concerns can be worked upon by:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \u00a0 Preparing the child beforehand. Explain to them what can be expected, how long they need to be there and what can the child do if they find it overwhelming.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. \u00a0 Pictures, videos or social stories can be used to help the child understand what to anticipate.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. \u00a0 Carry snacks, books, toys or any items that might come handy to keep the child occupied.<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. \u00a0 Offer encouragement, positive reinforcement or any reward after the visit. This can be something of the child\u2019s choice or even a preferred activity like a visit to the park or playground. This will help motivate the child for future visits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Guided questions:<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

      During visits to the psychiatrist, especially during the initial ones, parents might feel overwhelmed or simply confused regarding their discussions with the psychiatrist. To help with this, here are a few simple questions that the parents can present to the psychiatrist.<\/span><\/p>\n