Similar to adults, children experience psychological disorders. However, diagnosing psychological disorders in children remains a controversial issue. Some individuals consider diagnosing psychological disorders a threat to children’s identity or sense of self. Besides, some argue that diagnosing children with psychological disorders can result in stigmatization and concomitant adverse effects on youth. On the other hand, some argue that accurate diagnosis in young people is valuable and vital. Notably, the goodness that comes with mental health diagnosis in children outweighs the adverse effects. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose psychological disorders in children due to the multiple benefits it presents to them.
First, diagnosis in childhood promotes early intervention. Prompt diagnosis and early intervention in the early stages of a psychological illness have life-changing consequences for the individual’s mental health (State Government of Victoria, 2021). For instance, early intervention reduces the progress of mental illness to critical stages. It also improves the child’s psychological and physical health and promotes community participation and future socioeconomic outcomes. With children, prompt diagnosis and early intervention enable the identification of higher risks of severe developmental and behavioral disturbances. For instance, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a greater risk of developing secondary mental health problems in later life. Thus, diagnosis at the initial stages optimizes their future mental health.
Additionally, diagnosing children with psychological disorders gives the child and their parents a clear and realistic sense of the limitations and challenges associated with the disorder. Childhood psychological disorders include neurodevelopmental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. These conditions have a wide range of severe negative impacts on children’s psychological and social well-being. Besides, these children are at a greater risk of experiencing a compromised developmental trajectory, with an increased need for disability services and an increased risk of having undesired encounters with law enforcement agencies. Besides, there is increased peer stigmatization of children living with psychological impairments and other related health conditions (Heary et al., 2017). Therefore, understanding the challenges of such disorders is vital in ensuring that children receive adequate support to cope with their psychological issues.
Lastly, accurate diagnosis enables accurate communication about the symptoms experienced by the children. Precise identification of the symptoms enables a better understanding of the underlying causes of the child’s challenges, thus identifying the most effective measures of coping. Notably, one may say, “why not just treat the symptoms rather than diagnose a psychological disorder.” However, an accurate diagnosis enables the care provider to identify and use the most effective treatments. Notably, several difficulties are encountered due to the failure to identify which mental illness causes a given symptom (Mayo Clinic, 2019). Thus, the more information about the underlying causes of the disorder, the more the healthcare professional understands symptoms management, thus reducing their severity and promoting recovery and healing.
In conclusion, diagnosing children with psychological disorders is valuable and essential. Early and accurate diagnosis promotes early interventions leading to life-changing consequences for the victims. Early intervention improves the child’s physical and mental well-being and promotes his/her future productivity. Diagnosis in childhood also enables the child and people around them to have a more profound understanding of the challenges associated with such disorders, thus establishing appropriate coping mechanisms. Lastly, accurate diagnosis gives the care provider a deeper insight into the underlying causes of the illness, thus enabling effective treatment.
References
Heary, C., Hennessy, E., Swords, L.,
