Paediatric Psychiatry

Our specialist doctors provide dedicated child and adolescent psychiatry in Dubai, and our psychiatry teams see children in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. They assess and treat concerns ranging from anxiety and low mood to attention and behaviour in children and teenagers up to 18. Care is doctor-led, and we involve families throughout.

What is child and adolescent psychiatry?

Child and adolescent psychiatry is the branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats mental health conditions in people under 18, from early childhood through the teenage years. A child psychiatrist is a doctor, so unlike a psychologist they can prescribe medication as well as arrange therapy. They look at how a child is doing at home, at school and with friends, involve the family throughout, and follow a young person over time as they grow and their needs change.

When should you see a child and adolescent psychiatrist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Low mood, sadness or loss of interest that lasts
• Worry or fear that stops your child doing everyday things
• Ongoing problems with attention, activity or behaviour
• Changes in eating, weight or sleep
• Withdrawing from friends, family or school
• Self-harm, or talk of not wanting to be here

If your child is at immediate risk of harming themselves or someone else, seek emergency care now or go to the nearest emergency department.

You don't need to wait for a crisis. It's worth speaking to someone if a difficulty is getting in the way of school, friendships or family life, or if a stressful event like a bereavement or a change at home is affecting your child's mood or behaviour. In the UAE you can usually book directly, though a paediatrician, school or family doctor may also suggest a referral.

What to expect

The first appointment is mostly about listening. The psychiatrist will ask about your child's development, health, feelings and daily life at home and school, and will usually want to hear from you as well as your child. With your consent they may gather information from school or ask you to fill in questionnaires. For some children they'll arrange a fuller assessment, for example for attention or autism.

What comes next depends on what's found. Many children do well with talking therapy such as CBT, family sessions or support at school, and parents are often closely involved. Some conditions are helped by medication, which the psychiatrist would talk through with you first. Your child's doctor will explain the options and agree the next step with you.

Paediatric psychiatry at Mediclinic

We provide child and adolescent psychiatry led by specialist doctors. Our teams assess and treat conditions that affect how a child develops, such as ADHD and autism. They also support children living with anxiety, low mood and other emotional or behavioural difficulties. We involve families throughout treatment. Because our psychiatrists are doctors, they can offer therapy and medication within a single plan.

Dedicated child and adolescent psychiatry services run at our hospitals in Dubai, and our psychiatry teams see children and young people in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.