Department of pediatric and adolescent psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy

The department of pediatric and adolescent psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy at University Hospital Frankfurt am Main of Goethe-University is a clinical, academic, and scientific facility for children and adolescents with mental illnesses. On the scientific side of work, local researchers are investigating the effectiveness of new therapies (therapy studies) or the basics of mental disorders under 18 y.o. For example, the department has already been able to identify genetic patterns that play an important role in autism or develop new training for parents with autistic children. Other achievements include designing guidelines, developing psychotherapy manuals, and new therapy methods such as tDCS, sports, or light therapy. For these purposes, three laboratories function in the department: Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Laboratory of Neurophysiology, and Laboratory of Neuroimaging. There are 7 inpatient wards and numerous outpatient clinics for medical care. 

Speech disorders, Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Elimination disorders, and other young-age specific conditions are the priorities for medical care at the department. The therapeutic methods vary, including individual, group, in/outpatient therapies, and training sessions for patients and their parents.