Child Psychiatry

Which Diseases and Conditions Are Treated?

In our Child Psychiatry department, a wide range of mental and developmental problems from infancy to young adulthood are treated. Our expert team provides diagnosis and treatment services in the light of current scientific data, accompanied by a child psychiatrist. The main diseases and conditions treated in our clinic are:

• Developmental Disorders: Autism spectrum disorder, atypical autism, Asperger's syndrome, and speech disorders.
• Attention and Learning Problems: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific learning difficulties (reading, writing, math difficulties).
• Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Childhood depression, bipolar disorder, school phobia, test anxiety, social phobia, panic attacks, and separation anxiety.
• Behavioral and Adjustment Problems: Oppositional defiant disorder, anger management issues, sibling rivalry, peer bullying.
• Obsessive and Tic Disorders: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), motor and vocal tics, Tourette syndrome.
• Habit and Impulse Control Disorders: Thumb sucking, nail biting, hair pulling (trichotillomania), bedwetting and soiling (elimination disorders).
• Addictions: Computer, internet, and smartphone addiction, risks of alcohol and substance use during adolescence.
• Trauma and Stress-Related Problems: Post-traumatic stress disorder, domestic violence, divorce process adjustment problems, child abuse and neglect, loss and grief processes.
• Eating and Sleep Disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, obesity, and childhood sleep problems.

Diagnostic Methods and Tests Applied

The first step of an accurate treatment plan is to precisely identify the source of the problem. In our department, internationally validated, reliable psychological and developmental tests are applied to evaluate the cognitive, emotional, and neuropsychological development of children.

Moxo Attention Test
Making an accurate diagnosis is of great importance in the treatment of attention deficit in children. The Moxo attention test is a computer-based, objective measurement tool widely preferred in Istanbul. This test measures four core performance areas: attention, timing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The visual and auditory distractors presented to the child during the test simulate a daily school or home environment. Thus, how long the child can sustain their attention and how they are affected by external stimuli are clearly reported.

WISC-R Intelligence Test
The WISC-R intelligence test is one of the most comprehensive tools used to evaluate the cognitive capacities, strengths, and mental skills that need support in children aged 6-16. Consisting of two main sections, verbal and performance, the test provides detailed information about the child's reasoning ability, vocabulary, visual-motor coordination, and abstract thinking skills. It is a method frequently used by our specialists in cases of suspected learning difficulties, giftedness, or intellectual developmental delay.

In addition to these, our clinic utilizes numerous auxiliary diagnostic tools such as AGTE and Denver II Developmental Tests, CNSVS Neuropsychological Assessment, Metropolitan School Readiness Test, Rorschach Test, CARS Autism Rating Scale, and Conners Rating Scales.

Treatment Methods and Applications

Following the diagnostic process, the most appropriate treatment protocol for the child's age, developmental level, and the nature of the problem is determined. In our clinic, pharmacological (medication) and non-pharmacological (psychotherapy) treatment methods are applied in an integrated manner when necessary. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), hypnosis, and family therapies are among our prominent approaches.

Play Therapy
While adults solve their problems by talking, the language of children is play. Play therapy is the most effective method we use in our Istanbul clinic to reach the emotional worlds of children, especially those aged 3-11. In sessions held in our specially designed playrooms accompanied by trained therapists, children express their fears, anxieties, and inner conflicts through toys. In resolving trauma, divorce, sibling rivalry, tantrums, and adjustment problems, play therapy activates the child's self-healing potential.

Technology and Team

The Child Psychiatry department of BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi consists of an experienced team of experts who are well-versed in current treatment approaches and can establish strong communication with children. Thanks to the secure infrastructure provided by our JCI-accredited hospital, all diagnostic and testing processes are carried out under modern physical conditions, fully complying with privacy principles. We have specially isolated, quiet, and distraction-free test rooms for computer-aided neuropsychological test batteries (Moxo, CNSVS, etc.). During the treatment process, our child psychiatrists work in multidisciplinary harmony with expert clinical psychologists, child development specialists, and, when necessary, other medical units such as pediatric neurology.

When Should You Consult Child Psychiatry?

It is normal to experience challenging periods from time to time during the development process of children. However, some symptoms indicate the need for professional support. As a parent, if you observe the following situations, consulting a specialist without delay is critical for your child's health:

• Delay in speech, lack of eye contact, or not responding to their name,
• Extreme hyperactivity, inability to stay still, and inability to focus on given tasks,
• Frequent, inconsolable tantrums and aggressive behaviors,
• Reluctance to go to school, intense test anxiety, or a sudden drop in academic success,
• Obsessive thoughts, repetitive movements such as constant hand washing, or tics,
• Bedwetting or soiling despite having completed toilet training,
• Difficulty falling asleep, night terrors, or significant disruptions in appetite and eating patterns,
• Inability to control the time spent in front of screens, the internet, or games,
• Withdrawal, constant state of unhappiness, or avoiding communication with peers.

Appointment and Examination Process

If you have concerns about your child's mental health, remember that early intervention greatly increases the success rate of treatment. During the first examination, our physician conducts a detailed interview with both the child and the family to listen to the history of the problem. After applying the necessary tests and scales, a personalized treatment plan is shared with the family.

At BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, we offer a warm, safe, and supportive environment for your children. To get detailed information and meet with our expert team, you can call our 24/7 call center at 0850 811 34 00 or quickly create your appointment through our online appointment page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age range does child psychiatry cover?

The Child Psychiatry department evaluates and treats the mental, cognitive, and behavioral development processes of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to the age of 18.

How is attention deficit in children identified?

If your child has difficulty paying attention to details, frequently loses their belongings, forgets given instructions, gets bored quickly while studying, and cannot sit still, they may need to be evaluated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

What is the purpose of play therapy?

Play therapy allows children to express their inner worlds and emotional conflicts through toys. It is a highly effective method that helps the child heal by feeling safe, especially in resolving trauma, anxiety, sibling rivalry, the divorce process, and behavioral problems.

From what age is the Moxo attention test applied?

The Moxo Attention Test is a computer-based objective measurement tool used in the evaluation of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults aged 6 and over.

How long does the WISC-R Intelligence Test take?

The WISC-R intelligence test, which measures the child's cognitive skills, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities, usually takes between 1 and 1.5 hours to complete, depending on the child's working speed and motivation.