Lukuang Lynette Hsu, M.D.

Dr. Hsu also specializes in developmental delays, movement problems, anxiety disorders, trichotillomania, Tourette's Syndrome, mood disorders, learning disorders, eating disorders, child abuse, behavioral problems, autism, attention deficit disorders (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactive (ADHD).

As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I consider my role to be one of detective, advocate and guide. When I see a patient, the first thing I do is gather information and to make a diagnosis of the situation. The questions I may try to answer for this diagnosis include: Is there a psychiatric illness or vulnerability to illness that needs to be treated? What are the qualities of this youngster, in his/her physical, personality, cognitive make-up that adds to an understanding of the current situation? And lastly, what is the story of this youngster's life? What have been the significant life events that have contributed to how he/she sees the world and responds to those around him/her?

The advocacy piece is really about helping those around my patient (family, school, community) understand my patient's perspective. In many ways it's really about helping my patient and his/her family express the needs the youngster may have and to rally support for them.

Lastly, my role as a guide is really in helping patients and parents understand the treatment options and coming alongside in the decision process. Sometimes I am the individual who may treat with particular therapies and sometimes my role is to coordinate and guide families to other individuals to participate in care.

The whole point is to help kids work and play so that things can be brighter both now and in their futures. The beauty in helping out youngsters is that often little positive changes in their lives now potentiates and grows into substantial gains in their future.