Comprehensive Integrated Psychiatric Assessment

The practitioner in the YMH Boston Vignette 5 video demonstrated strong rapport-building abilities by providing the adolescent with a supportive and non-judgmental environment. The patient could communicate their feelings and opinions more freely because of the use of open-ended inquiries. The practitioner showed sensitivity by validating the patient’s experiences. To acquire a more profound knowledge of potential contributing elements, the practitioner could do better by examining the larger context of the adolescent’s life, such as their relationships, family dynamics, and social contacts. The potential that the adolescent’s depression may be caused by underlying problems other than scholastic pressures is a compelling concern at this stage of the therapeutic interview. My next question would be, “Can you tell me more about your interactions with friends and family? Have you noticed any changes in these relationships?” These questions explore the patient’s social and family interactions, which could provide insights into potential sources of stress and emotional challenges beyond academics.

The Importance of a Thorough Psychiatric Assessment of a Child/Adolescent

A kid or teenager must have a complete psychiatric evaluation because of the fast changes that occur throughout this stage of development in the emotional, cognitive, and social domains. Mental health providers must establish a secure environment where adolescents can express their ideas and emotions because adolescents may not have the same self-awareness and verbal skills as adults. A thorough evaluation enables a deeper comprehension of the person’s experiences, prospective stressors, and underlying elements fueling their emotional issues.

Different Symptom Rating Scales

The Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Disorders (SCARED) are two separate symptom rating measures suitable for the psychiatric evaluation of a child or adolescent. The CDI is a self-report test that provides information about the emotional and cognitive experiences of children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 by evaluating the severity of depressive symptoms in these individuals (Francisco et al., 2022). The SCARED, on the other hand, is a self-report questionnaire that assesses anxiety disorder symptoms in kids and teenagers between the ages of 8 and 18, encompassing a variety of symptoms such as generalized anxiety, social phobia, separation anxiety, and more.

Psychiatric Treatment Options for Children and Adolescents

Play therapy and family therapy are two psychiatric treatment approaches that may not be frequently employed while treating adults. Children who may find it difficult to communicate verbally can use play therapy to process their emotions, work out problems, and explore their ideas in a developmentally appropriate way (Gupta et al., 2023). Even though it is employed in adults, family therapy has a special significance while treating children and adolescents because it tackles the family dynamics and interactions crucial to their well-being.

The Role Parents/Guardians Play in Assessment

Parents and guardians play a crucial part in evaluating children and adolescents by offering crucial contextual information and insights regarding their child’s behaviour, emotions, and developmental history (Adesanya et al., 2021). They act as crucial informants by observing the child’s everyday activities, interpersonal interactions, and long-term behavioural changes. Parents and guardians can help children’s mental health by recognizing their family dynamics, potential stresses, and cultural influences.

References

Adesanya, D. O., Johnson, J., & Galanter, C. A. (2021). Assessing and treating aggression in children and adolescents. Pediatric Medicine, 0. https://doi.org/10.21037/pm-20-109

Francisco, A. P., Tonon, A. C., Amando, G. R., & Hidalgo, M. P. L. (2022). Self-perceived rhythmicity in affective and cognitive functions is related to psychiatric symptoms in adolescents. Chronobiology International, 40(2), 103–113. https://doi.org/10.1080/07420528.2022.2147078

Gupta, N., Chaudhary, R., Gupta, M., Ikehara, L., Zubiar, F., & Madabushi, J. S. (2023). Play therapy as effective options for school-age children with emotional and behavioural problems: A case series. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/

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Question

In this Discussion, you review and critique the techniques and methods of a mental health professional as the practitioner completes a comprehensive, integrated psychiatric assessment of an adolescent. You also identify rating scales and treatment options that are specifically appropriate for children/adolescents.

Comprehensive Integrated Psychiatric Assessment

TO PREPARE
Review the Learning Resources and consider the insights they provide on comprehensive, integrated psychiatric assessment. Watch the Mental Status Examination B-6 and Simulation Scenario-Adolescent Risk Assessment videos.
Watch the YMH Boston Vignette 5 video and take notes; you will use this video as the basis for your Discussion post.