What Conditions Does A Developmental Psychologist Treat?
As humans grow and change throughout our lives, it can be natural to face challenges, from learning disabilities to dementia. These conditions can affect our mental health and well-being as we age. If you or someone you know is facing one of these concerns, or challenges like anxiety, depression, or adjustment disorder, a developmental psychologist may be able to help.
What does it mean to be a developmental psychologist?
Developmental psychologists usually study the ways humans develop throughout our lives. As we go through different life stages, from infancy to adulthood and older age, our bodies and minds tend to change. Developmental psychologists generally work to understand and manage these aspects of human growth.
Developmental psychologists can work in a wide range of settings, such as the following:
- Mental health clinics
- Colleges
- Senior living homes
- Government and law enforcement agencies
- Community mental health centers
- Nonprofit groups
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists are usually required to have a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in addition to an undergraduate degree. Some people may choose to start with an undergraduate developmental psychology degree, while others may get a more general bachelor’s degree in psychology followed by a specialized advanced degree.
While there may not be specific licensing requirements to become a developmental psychologist, in general, all psychologists are required to be licensed in their state to have their own clinical practice.
What conditions do developmental psychologists treat?
As the American Psychological Association points out, most people tend to follow similar patterns of development, learning skills and developing behaviors at similar points in their lives. These are usually called “developmental milestones.”
For example, most children start using words by age one or two and understanding abstract concepts by age four. People with developmental disabilities or delays may reach these milestones later, or not at all. A developmental psychologist might use their knowledge of human development to diagnose and treat these concerns.
That said, developmental disorders aren’t the only conditions developmental psychologists might treat. Below are other common concerns they may address.
Dementia: Dementia can be defined as a group of symptoms caused by conditions affecting memory and thinking. For most people, dementia develops in older age and can cause challenges in daily life. Some examples include the following:
- Trouble remembering information
- Poor judgment and decision-making
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Inappropriate behavior
- Loss of interest in activities and relationships
Alzheimer’s is usually seen as the most common form of dementia, but there are others, too, each with its own causes.
Learning disabilities: A learning disability generally refers to a disorder that affects how people learn and perform certain tasks. Some common learning disabilities include those listed below:
- Verbal apraxia (trouble with speaking and expressing ideas)
- Dyslexia (trouble with reading and spelling)
- Dysgraphia (trouble with handwriting and written communication)
- Dyscalculia (trouble with math concepts)
Learning disabilities often emerge when a child is in school. Learning disabilities tend to be lifelong conditions, but they can often be managed with professional support.
Anxiety: Anxiety typically involves excessive levels of worry, which can interfere with a person’s daily life. Genetics and stressful life events can both trigger anxiety. Below are a few common symptoms of anxiety:
- Worrying constantly about a wide range of topics
- Feeling restless, irritable, or on edge
- Struggling to concentrate
- Having trouble controlling worries
Anxiety is often treatable through a combination of talk therapy, medication, and self-care strategies.
Depression: Major depressive disorder, or depression, can involve intense periods of sadness or low motivation. Depression may be brought on by stressful events, as well as major life transitions like retirement. Symptoms of depression may include the following:
- Ongoing feelings of guilt or sadness
- Loss of interest in activities and relationships
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Trouble concentrating and making decisions
Like anxiety, depression can often be managed with a combination of medication and therapy. Lifestyle changes like exercise and eating nutrient-rich foods may also be helpful.
Adjustment disorders: An adjustment disorder can be seen as a negative response to a major life event, such as a new job, a loss, or a divorce. Adjustment disorders tend to have symptoms that are out of proportion to what’s causing them, such as those below:
- High levels of stress or anxiety
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Conflicts in relationships, at work, or in school
- Trouble sleeping, concentrating, or taking care of responsibilities
Symptoms of an adjustment disorder tend to start within three months of a major life event and usually subside within six months.
Getting help during major life transitions
Various mental health challenges can arise at different stages of life. If you have concerns related to your mental health, especially if you’re going through a major transition in your life, a developmental psychologist may be able to help. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment for a range of mental health concerns, from anxiety to depression and more. Working with a therapist may also be a way to explore challenges related to different life stages and find healthy ways to manage them.
That said, finding affordable professional mental health support can be a challenge. As Mental Health America reports, cost tends to be the reason a majority of Americans with an unmet mental healthcare need don’t receive treatment.
With online therapy, you can have live sessions with a licensed therapist starting at $65 per week. This may be more affordable than in-person therapy.
Studies have found that online therapy can treat a range of mental health concerns that may come with age and life transitions. In 2017, researchers looked at data from 373 studies of online cognitive behavioral therapy. They found that internet-based therapy could be an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and more.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
What conditions does a developmental psychologist treat when addressing childhood behavioral issues?
Developmental psychologists study growth and development over the human lifespan. Their work focuses on understanding social development, cognitive development, and emotional growth, or how people adapt, grow, and develop at different stages of life, including during early childhood and adolescent development. They help manage issues like aggression, defiance, or difficulty following rules by identifying the underlying cause and teaching kids positive ways to express themselves. Some specific conditions that a developmental psychologist may help with include anxiety, depression, conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or language delay.
How does developmental psychology help in identifying learning disabilities?
Developmental psychologists use tests and observations to spot learning disabilities like dyslexia or ADHD, allowing for early intervention and support. Because they have such an extensive education (typically either a master's degree or doctoral degree) and experience working with and evaluating children, people in this profession are skilled at assessing child development at distinct stages and identifying developmental issues.
Can a developmental psychologist help in managing mental health issues like anxiety or depression in children?
Yes. They use age-appropriate techniques like play therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help children understand and manage their feelings.
In developmental psychology, what approaches are used to treat children with mental health conditions like PTSD?
Therapists often use trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) to help children process and recover from traumatic experiences.
What conditions does a developmental psychologist treat related to adolescent mental health and emotional challenges?
They address issues like mood swings, low self-esteem, and stress from peer pressure, providing a safe space for teens to express and understand their emotions. The most common mental health disorders in adolescence include anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders. Supporting teens with these challenges during adolescence can help them learn to manage them more effectively as they become young adults and head into middle adulthood.
What role does developmental psychology play in supporting children with developmental delays?
When a child fails to meet certain milestones, developmental psychologists create individualized plans that focus on improving language, motor, and social skills, helping children achieve milestones at their own pace. When supporting children with developmental delays, a developmental psychologist may be a part of a treatment team that includes a medical doctor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech-language pathologist, depending on the type and severity of the delays.
What conditions does a developmental psychologist treat in adults with unresolved childhood trauma?
A developmental psychologist works with adults to resolve childhood trauma that can lead to anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, using therapeutic approaches to promote healing. Events from childhood can affect people in any age range; some people may face challenges in early adulthood or later in life that they don’t realize are related to things that occurred much earlier. A developmental psychologist can help adults reach their full potential by assisting them to identify and process childhood trauma.
How can developmental psychologists assist individuals with autism spectrum disorder?
Developmental psychologists focus on enhancing social skills, communication, and coping mechanisms, tailoring treatment plans to each individual's unique needs.
What conditions does a developmental psychologist treat for children experiencing social and communication difficulties?
A developmental psychologist helps with social anxiety or selective mutism by teaching social skills and gradually exposing the child to social situations.
How does developmental psychology address the mental health of children with ADHD or other attention disorders?
They use behavioral strategies and attention training techniques to help children manage symptoms and improve focus at home and school.
What are the common conditions that a developmental psychologist focuses on during therapy sessions?
They commonly treat learning disabilities, developmental delays, behavioral disorders, and social challenges, adjusting the approach based on the child's needs.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists may work in schools, hospitals, or in personal practice, and where they work can influence the type of therapy they focus on.
It is also worth mentioning that part of understanding developmental psychology is understanding the effects of the aging process on human behavior, including that of older adults. Developmental psychologists can also work in assisted living homes or other residential facilities, supporting the emotional and behavioral health of the elderly population.
This field offers various opportunities for professionals. Students interested in becoming developmental psychologists after their undergraduate studies will need to pursue an advanced degree in social sciences. After completing their degree, they will enter a career with a fast-growing job outlook and a median annual wage of $92,740. Those with doctorate degrees are likely to have higher median salaries than those with master’s degrees.
What conditions does a developmental psychologist treat when a child shows signs of intellectual disability?
Generally, they support learning and daily functioning by creating a plan that builds on the child's strengths and guides parents and teachers in helping the children learn. The specifics of that plan depend on various factors, including the type and severity of the intellectual disability and cultural influences.
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