site.btaUPDATED There Are 32 Child Psychiatrists in Bulgaria, Only 22 Work in Their Field

There are 32 child psychiatrists in Bulgaria, but only 22 work in their specialty, said Health Minister Silvi Kirilov, during parliamentary control. He noted that most child psychiatrists are located in Sofia and Varna. The diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorders is carried out according to international standards by a multidisciplinary team, with the average age for diagnosis being 36 months, and the diagnosis process lasting an average of 21 days and being free of charge, he said. General practitioners periodically assess the condition of children, and patients with autism are referred to a psychiatrist.

There are established day psychiatric wards for children in Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, Ruse, Targovishte, Burgas, and Lovech. Comprehensive solutions to the problems of children with autism and their families are provided through an established integrated action plan with measures for priority areas, including early detection of autism in outpatient care, screening, early diagnosis, early intervention, comprehensive therapy and rehabilitation, resource provision, and staff training. Children on the autism spectrum are also treated at maternal and child health centres.

The National Centre for Public Health and Analysis provides training to general practitioners and pediatricians in outpatient care for the early detection of autism in children under three years of age, with 1,200 doctors trained to date. Training is also provided to improve the qualifications of specialists from centers for comprehensive care for children with disabilities and chronic diseases, as well as training for parents, etc.

Under a project to support and encourage specialists in shortage specialties, the Ministry of Health provides BGN 2,600 per month per specialist, with three child psychiatry specialists receiving financial incentives so far, Minister Kirilov added.