Next Steps

Consultation with a pediatric neurologist, a doctor who specializes in treating and diagnosing nervous system disorders in children, should be performed to rule out seizure disorder. This consultation should be done prior to treatment with medication if the child's pediatrician suspects seizure disorder. Consultation with a child and adolescent psychiatrist should be performed both for psychopharmacologic interventions as well as for confirmation of the diagnosis of school refusal. The consultation should also determine if other comorbid disorders (2 or more disorders existing at the same time) require treatment and provide a comprehensive treatment plan. The psychiatrist can also conduct the therapy or refer the patient to a psychotherapist for this treatment.