Adolescent Psychiatry
Capital Area Psychiatric Services
Hemanjani Gonchigar, MD
Psychiatrist located in Vienna, VA
Anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders can be especially challenging for adolescents, and quality personalized care is imperative. At Capital Area Psychiatric Services (CAPS) in Vienna, Virginia, expert psychiatrist Hemanjani Gonchigar, MD, has extensive experience treating a range of psychiatric conditions in adolescents. From difficulty in school and with social networks to daily activities, Dr. Gonchigar offers expertise in adolescent psychiatry and truly cares about enhancing wellness and quality of life. Contact CAPS today by phone or using the online form.
Adolescent Psychiatry Q & A
What is adolescent psychiatry?
Psychiatry is the medical field focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various mental health conditions. Adolescent psychiatry refers to psychiatric treatments and care for adolescents.
With adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Gonchigar at Capital Area Psychiatric Services treats disorders of feeling, thinking, and behavior affecting children, adolescents, and their families. She works closely with the parents to help the family navigate mental health disorders.
What are some of the most common mental health conditions affecting adolescents?
A number of mental health conditions can affect adolescents. Some of the most common include:
- Learning disabilities
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Drug dependency
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Adolescents might also be dealing with other mental health conditions or problems, such as sleep disorders like insomnia, eating disorders, and in rarer cases, schizophrenia.
Many adolescents with mental health disorders have difficulty in school, with social relationships, and in other areas of life.
Dr. Gonchigar also treats short-term or long-term anxiety and depression due to life changes, and provides psychological support for adolescents dealing with painful, long-term, or terminal physical health conditions.
What does adolescent psychiatry involve?
Dr. Gonchigar first performs a comprehensive evaluation where she discusses concerns and symptoms, and asks general questions about life-views and recurring thoughts. Dr. Gonchigar typically performs a simple physical examination, for example, she might check blood pressure, and weight.
When treating mental health conditions, Dr. Gonchigar often integrates psychopharmacological and behavioral interventions for the best outcome.
Adolescent psychiatry might involve different treatment methods to improve or manage a mental health condition, such as:
- Psychotherapy or talk therapy
- Family therapy
- Healthy lifestyle changes, such as nutrition and regular exercise
- Sleep and stress management
- Medications when needed, such as antidepressants, stimulants, or mood stabilizers
Many psychiatric medications help correct imbalances in brain chemistry that might be involved with certain mental disorders.
Dr. Gonchigar devises personalized treatment plans and might also consult with other physicians or professionals from schools, social agencies, juvenile courts, or other community organizations.
Adolescents dealing with mental health conditions deserve attentive care and an experienced psychiatrist they feel comfortable with. If you’re searching for an expert in adolescent psychiatry, call Capital Area Psychiatric Services (CAPS) or book an appointment online today.