Overview:

Mood Disorders are serious and prevalent disorders in children and adolescents that are often poorly recognized. Unfortunately, the toll of unrecognized and untreated mood disturbance is phenomenal. Both depression and bipolar disorder may be characterized by explosive rage and unpredictable moods that can adversely strain parent-child and sibling relationships; untreated, they affect academic performance, social relationships, and self-esteem often leading to "Self Medicating" substance abuse and more serious behaviors. More and more research indicates that individual with a first episode of mood disorders in childhood or adolescence suffers from a more serious illness than those with later onset illness. Early onset Mood disorders may often be a life long illness. It is very important to correctly diagnose and treat these disorders at the earliest opportunity to reduce future complications.

Assessment and Treatment:

An assessment must include a comprehensive interview that clarifies diagnosis, co-occurring illnesses, and areas of skill deficits: i.e. social, academic and/or familial. An appropriate treatment plan should address: Family, education, discussion of current academic placement, development of an appropriate therapy and/or medication plan based on current scientific knowledge, and longer term therapeutic suggestions.

Services Offered

The Pediatric Mood Disorders Clinic at Virginia Treatment Center for Children (VTCC) offers a comprehensive and holistic assessment, conducted by a multidisciplinary team, which looks at the child/adolescent's mood symptoms, home, school and peer relationships. The team provides feedback to the parents/guardians, which includes the establishment of a diagnosis, a formulated treatment plan, and family, home, and school learning strategies. Follow-up services are also available. The assessment and feedback session is very extensive and may take up four hours.

Multidisciplinary Team

The Pediatric Mod Disorders Clinic has a multidisciplinary team which includes a/an:

• Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Educational Consultant
• Psychometrician

For More Information Contact:

Pediatric Mood Disorders Clinic
Virginia Treatment Center for Children
515 North 10th Street
P.O. Box 980489
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0489

Phone: 804.828.3137
Fax: 804.828.9493