Georgia psychiatrist urges families to notice lasting behavior changes in children

Dr. Okah “Justin” Anyokwu, medical director of Avant Psychiatry in Atlanta, is urging parents and caregivers to watch for sustained changes in a child’s mood, sleep, school performance or friendships. The guidance comes as ADHD Awareness Month and National Bullying Prevention Month begin in October.

Why it matters: - Lasting shifts in behavior can be an early sign that a child or teen is struggling emotionally. - Catching those changes early can help families decide whether a simple check-in is enough or whether a professional evaluation is needed. - Children and teens often show distress indirectly, which can delay support if adults miss the signals.

What happened: - Dr. Okah “Justin” Anyokwu, medical director of Avant Psychiatry, is encouraging parents and caregivers to pay attention when a child becomes withdrawn, irritable or less interested in activities they once enjoyed. - The guidance was issued from Atlanta on Sept. 28, 2026. - The message is aimed at families watching for changes that persist over time.

The details: - Dr. Anyokwu said children and teens do not always describe anxiety, sadness or stress the way adults do. - Those struggles may show up in sleep, school performance, friendships or behavior at home. - A change in one area does not automatically mean a mental health condition is present. - Persistent concerns are a reason to check in and listen. - Caregivers are encouraged to ask what has been feeling difficult, listen closely and follow up later. - If concerns continue or start interfering with daily life, a pediatrician or mental health professional can help determine whether an evaluation is needed. - As ADHD Awareness Month and National Bullying Prevention Month begin in October, Dr. Anyokwu said families may have more openings to talk about challenges young people face at home, at school and with peers. - Caregivers should consider each child’s individual circumstances rather than assuming there is one simple explanation for a behavior change. - Families do not need to have all the answers before asking for help. - Taking a concern seriously and starting a conversation can be a meaningful first step.

Between the lines: - The message frames behavior changes as a prompt for conversation, not an immediate diagnosis. - That approach may help reduce stigma and make it easier for families to raise concerns before problems intensify. - The timing around two October awareness campaigns gives the advice a built-in moment for parents, schools and clinicians to revisit mental health screening and communication.

What's next: - Families are being urged to use upcoming awareness-month conversations to check in with children and teens. - Persistent or disruptive changes should lead to follow-up with a pediatrician or mental health professional. - Avant Psychiatry says it provides psychiatric care for children, adolescents and adults in Georgia, including therapy, medication management, interventional treatment options and telepsychiatry. - More information is available at Avant Psychiatry.