Child/Adolescent Neurodevelopmental, Psychiatric, and Eating/Feeding Disorders

Child and adolescent psychiatric illnesses, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and eating disorders, pose significant challenges for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). These conditions demand early identification and intervention to mitigate their adverse effects on academic, social, and emotional development. ADHD, characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, affects children globally and necessitates prompt treatment to optimize outcomes. Depression requires early detection to prevent exacerbation and chronicity. Eating disorders, encompassing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, impact physical and mental health profoundly. PMHNPs play a crucial role in assessing, diagnosing, and treating these disorders, employing a comprehensive approach that considers diagnostic criteria, pharmacotherapy, side effects, and therapeutic modalities. This chapter delves into neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders common in children and adolescents, covering disruptive, mood dysregulation, and feeding and elimination disorders, among others, to equip PMHNPs with the necessary knowledge for effective practice.