Dr. Wilhelm Tenner’s practice – Private Practice and Specialist Doctor

Disorders

In line with the ICD-10 and the multiaxial classification of mental disorders, including F9 ‘Behavioral and Emotional Disorders with Onset in Childhood and Adolescence,’ diagnostics are conducted within the framework of a bio-psychosocial model.

This model considers not only biological and genetic factors but also psychological, social, and environmental influences that shape the behavior and emotions of children and adolescents.

A holistic approach allows for more precise diagnoses and the development of individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient, taking into account all relevant factors.

(Insights from the forthcoming application of ICD-11 are incorporated.)

During childhood and adolescence, separation anxiety, phobic disorders (such as a fear of confined spaces, open areas, or animals like spiders; social anxieties such as fear of other people), panic disorders (sudden episodes of intense anxiety arising “out of nowhere”), and school-related anxieties are common disorders.

A significant number of children exposed to severe stress develop diverse clinical symptoms that should be recognized and treated. Unfortunately, children who have directly experienced war-related traumas are also not uncommon.

Delayed achievement of milestones (walking, speaking, hygiene) and noticeable differences compared to peers, particularly in social behavior and social competence. Motor and language development issues are also key areas of focus during evaluations. Special attention is given to social development challenges, such as difficulties with kindergarten entry or school-related problems, when performing precise diagnostics.

The younger the child is who express uncertainty about their own gender identity, the greater the likelihood that a definitive diagnosis of actual gender identity disorder or gender dysphoria (the feeling of being in the wrong gender/body) may not be sustainable. It is essential to carefully and openly explore the appropriate course of action and, if necessary, develop an interdisciplinary approach. Assessing the sustainability of the individual’s emotional state is of utmost importance.

In early childhood, depression is often accompanied by pain symptoms, mood swings, social withdrawal, lack of interest in play, aggression, concentration difficulties, lack of motivation, and sleep disturbances, which are common symptoms of the condition.

It is also possible to talk to the parents without the child being present. The child should however be informed and consent to this.
Parenting counseling, work with foster and adoptive parents, crisis counseling, dealing with separation and divorce, and coping with grief and loss are the main focus areas.

Inattention/distractibility, hyperactivity/motor restlessness, and impulsivity are the primary symptoms. These behaviors typically follow a consistent pattern, for instance, at school and/or at home. It is essential to assess whether ADHD is genuinely present or if the child’s behavior arises from other causes. The evaluation of appropriate therapeutic steps should be tailored individually to the specific needs of the child.

Chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid conditions and other metabolic conditions are often associated with anxiety disorders, depression, and specific learning disorders. Concentration difficulties and school-related challenges are common consequences.

Escalating situations within the family or the child’s environment should be addressed promptly with specialist medical support. A meaningful network should be established to provide stability and security for the child or adolescent and their surroundings.

Children with a history of premature birth and very low birth weight occasionally face an increased risk of various developmental disorders, which may also lead to difficulties in acquiring academic skills. It is important to develop appropriate encouragement and support strategies to address these challenges.

These issues are often associated with anxiety and depression. Reactions to psychological stress that manifest as physical symptoms require thorough evaluation. Both psychological and physical conditions are taken equally seriously, following a psychosomatic approach. Close collaboration with the child’s pediatrician is an integral part of the process.

Feeding disorders and sleep disturbances in infants are the primary symptoms. Empathetic and encouraging medical care is essential.

Specialist medical support should be offered for complex family issues. The child, with all their problems and separation anxieties, should be understood and encouraged by the adults.

These issues are varied. Avoidance of school and poor academic performance can have many underlying causes that must be assessed. Associated factors include: bullying, social competence, specific learning disorders, cognitive ability and the psychosocial environment.

This includes developmental disorders, separation anxiety, psychosocial issues, and various behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity, aggressive behavior, or difficulties with social development and adjustment.

A delay in language development can occur in isolation or in combination with other developmental delays. A detailed differential diagnostic evaluation using standardized tools to assess developmental progress, along with comprehensive pediatric neurological, psychiatric, and internal pediatric diagnostics, is offered. If necessary, an interdisciplinary and multi-professional diagnostic and therapeutic approach will be applied.

Disorders of social behavior are serious symptoms that should be treated as soon as possible. The earlier appropriate measures of encouragement and guidance are offered to the child and their environment, the less severe the social problems of the child and adolescent often become.

A thorough pediatric psychiatric and neurological evaluation with the goal of developing individualized therapy plans.

A detailed psychoeducation about the condition is provided. Obsessive thoughts, compulsive images, and compulsive impulses are identified and treated. Multimodal therapy options (networking with therapists and/or medication if needed) are developed.