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**Also known as:** neuropsychiatric disorders, behavioral neurology. ## What are neuropsychiatric disorders? Neuropsychiatric disorder is a blanket medical term that encompasses a broad range of medical conditions that involve both [neurology](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/medical-services/pediatric-neurology) and [psychiatry](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/medical-services/pediatric-psychiatry). Common neuropsychiatric disorders include: - [seizures](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions/seizures) - [attention deficit disorders](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions-we-treat/brain/attention-deficit-and-learning-disorders-\(adhd\)) - [cognitive deficit disorders](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions/cognitive-and-perceptual-deficits) - palsies - uncontrolled anger - [migraine headaches](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions/migraine-headache) - addictions - [eating disorders](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions/eating-disorders) - [depression](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions/depression) - [anxiety](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions/anxiety-disorders) Neuropsychiatric disorders in children can range widely in cause, course, and severity. ## What causes neuropsychiatric disorders in children? Some of the most common causes include: - [traumatic head injury (TBI)](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions/traumatic-brain-injury) - infections - medication side effects - [attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome (ADHD)](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions-we-treat/brain/attention-deficit-and-learning-disorders-\(adhd\)) - genetic predisposition - environmental factors In some cases, cause may be unknown, may be related to other factors. ## What are the symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders? The key component of neuropsychiatric disorders is that the symptoms tend to impact brain function, emotion and mood. These can range from problems with focus and learning in the case of ADHD to sadness, irritability, memory problems, [mood problems](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions/mood-and-anxiety-disorders), depression to a variety of other psychiatric and/or neurological symptoms. ## What are neuropsychiatric disorder care options? Medications, psychological and/or psychiatric therapy are common treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. Specific treatments will vary based on the precise cause, clinical presentation and severity. ## Most common neuropsychiatric treatments - **Psychostimulants.** These stimulant medications can improve concentration by increasing activity in the frontal lobe of the brain. - **Mood stabilizers.** These medications make moods less severe or extreme in people who need them. - **Antidepressants.** These medications help to relieve the symptoms of anxiety or depression. - **Cholinergic medications.** These types of medication can help with memory problems by making neurons work more effectively. - **Antipsychotic medications.** For individuals with psychotic symptoms, these medications can make them less severe. - **Sleep aids.** Some with neuropsychiatric conditions have sleep problems and require medical aid. - **Cognitive behavioral therapy.** This form of therapy helps individuals pinpoint the triggers of their negative emotions and learn to respond to them in a more useful manner. - **Neurostimulation techniques.** Some conditions, such as mania or depression, respond to pulses of electrical energy that stimulate areas of the brain. *** ***Reviewed by:** [Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/medical-professionals/for-physicians/weekly-updates-in-pediatrics)* ***This page was last updated on:** April 29, 2025 03:08 PM* *** ## Upcoming Events [](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-events/camps/camp-kennedy-kids "Camp Kennedy Kids") ### Camp Kennedy Kids **Date:** Monday, June 22, 2026 6 week summer enrichment program for adolescents ages 10-16. [Learn More.](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-events/camps/camp-kennedy-kids) [Register Online](https://support.nicklauschildrens.org/app/camp_kennedy_pre_screening) ### Weekly Support Programs [](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-and-events/events/support/%E2%80%8Bf-o-c-u-s-program "​F.O.C.U.S. Program ") ### ​F.O.C.U.S. Program This group therapy program is designed for children ages 7 to 17 with behavioral issues, including but not limited to ADHD. The weekly sessions teach innovative techniques to assist children with managing feelings, developing organization skills, maximizing their concentration abilities and socialization skills. [Learn More.](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-and-events/events/support/%E2%80%8Bf-o-c-u-s-program) [](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-events/events/support/mosaico-therapy-group "Mosaico Therapy Group") ### Mosaico Therapy Group This six-week group therapy program is designed for teens who have symptoms of depression, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal challenges. [Learn More.](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-events/events/support/mosaico-therapy-group) [](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-and-events/events/support/calm-kids "Calm Kids") ### Calm Kids 8 week program. Calm Kids is a weekly group therapy course designed to teach children strategies on how to take control over anxiety symptoms. Children will learn how to cope with fears and worries, identify anxiety triggers, how to relax the mind and body and maximize their self-confidence. [Learn More.](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-and-events/events/support/calm-kids) [](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-and-events/events/support/teen-sleep-group "Teen Sleep Group") ### Teen Sleep Group The six-week program is designed for teens ages 12 to 17 experiencing difficulties related to sleep, including daytime sleepiness, trouble waking in the morning, difficulty falling asleep and waking in the middle of the night. The goal of this group is to give teens the tools and strategies they need in order to get more sleep and better quality sleep. [Learn More.](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-and-events/events/support/teen-sleep-group) [](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-events/events/support/wise-girls-workshop "Wise Girls Workshop") ### Wise Girls Workshop Wise Girls Workshop is a six-session, primary prevention program, facilitated by the Department of Psychology and thoughtfully designed to empower middle school students ages 11-14 through evidenced-based practices. Each session is 60 minutes long and will include 8-10 young female participants. [Learn More.](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/news-events/events/support/wise-girls-workshop) [Check Your Symptoms](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/forms/symptom-checker) Use the symptom checker tool to check how serious your symptoms are, if a healthcare visit is needed, and what steps you can take to relieve your symptoms at home. *** ### Learn more about [Attention Deficit and Learning Disorders (ADHD)](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions/attention-deficit-and-learning-disorders-\(adhd\)) Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder of childhood, affecting 3 to 7 percent of school-age children. [Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/conditions/traumatic-brain-injury) TBI is an injury to the brain from direct or indirect physical force to the head and/or brain. [3-D brain imaging with co-registration of the images](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/treatments/3-d-brain-imaging) 3-D brain imaging is a type of MRI that is so detailed that it can be reformatted, and viewed from any direction. It is used to give health care providers a complete picture of the entire brain. [Psychiatric Evaluation](https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/treatments/psychiatric-evaluation) A psychiatric evaluation is an evaluation process with a mental health professional, designed to diagnose and treat (using both medications and other therapies), emotional, behavioral or developmental conditions or disorders.