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.