Questions and Answers
Child psychiatrists always assess the family before seeing the patient alone.
False
A flexible approach to interviewing is often necessary when assessing children.
True
Information from schools should focus solely on unstructured settings.
False
Gathering information from family members is considered unnecessary in child psychiatric assessments.
Signup and view all the answers
The primary aim of assessment is to determine the psychological and social context of the child's issues.
Signup and view all the answers
Child psychiatric assessments follow the same structure and methods as adult assessments.
Signup and view all the answers
Parents should be encouraged to talk systematically about their child's problems from the beginning of the interview.
Signup and view all the answers
Younger children may benefit from using drawings and toys during the interview process.
Signup and view all the answers
A family interview is the best method for obtaining factual information from family members.
Signup and view all the answers
It is important for the interviewer to form a close relationship with the child before seeing the family.
Signup and view all the answers
Children are less suggestible than adults during interviews.
Signup and view all the answers
Developmental assessments of children need to be made by the end of the interview.
Signup and view all the answers
Standardized methods of observation and interviewing have been developed primarily for therapeutic purposes.
Signup and view all the answers
Silence and withdrawal in children during an initial psychiatric meeting should be interpreted as signs of depression.
Signup and view all the answers
The Stanford-Binet test can be used to assess IQ for individuals below 40.
Signup and view all the answers
The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children is designed for children aged 3 to 7 years.
Signup and view all the answers
Teachers are the primary informants for psychological assessment in children.
Signup and view all the answers
The Denver Developmental Screening Test can assess children up to 8 years of age.
Signup and view all the answers
The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development are useful for measuring development from 1 month to 4 years.
Signup and view all the answers
Mental health professionals should only observe the child in a clinical setting for assessment.
Signup and view all the answers
Social development assessments do not include assessments related to personal and social development.
Signup and view all the answers
The Wechsler Pre-School and Primary Scale of Intelligence assesses areas such as short-term memory and spatial imagery.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Aims of Assessment
- Obtain a comprehensive understanding of the presenting problem.
- Explore the relationship between the child’s problem, their past development, and current life circumstances.
- Identify the psychological and social context surrounding the issue.
- Develop a treatment plan for both the child and their family.
Differences from Adult Assessment
- Pediatric psychiatric assessment requires different strategies compared to adult assessments.
A Flexible Approach
- Employ a flexible interviewing style when assessing children while maintaining consistent information gathering and observations.
Interviewing Family Members
- Involvement of parents or caregivers in the assessment interview is essential.
- Including siblings can provide additional perspectives.
Gathering Information From Schools
- Securing permission from teachers is necessary to collect information about the child's behavior.
- Assess performance in both structured (classroom) and unstructured (playground) environments.
- Evaluate the child's educational achievements.
Child Psychiatrist Methods
- Diverse assessment methods utilized by various child psychiatrists.
- Importance of familial observation during assessment.
- Some psychiatrists choose to evaluate family dynamics before individual assessments, while others do so afterward.
Psychological Assessment
- Intelligence and educational achievement measures are critical for diagnosis.
- Discrepancies between mental development and chronological age may indicate developmental disorders or other stress-related issues.
- Various assessment procedures available for children.
Important Informants
- Primary care practitioners and teachers are valuable sources of information regarding a child’s behavior and environment.
- Teachers offer insights into the child's educational behaviour and peer relationships.
- Observing the child at school and visiting their home can provide rich contextual information.
Intelligence Tests
- Stanford-Binet Test, 5th Edition: Assesses verbal and non-verbal intelligence; can be used from age 2 to adulthood.
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC IV): For children aged 3-7 years.
- Wechsler Pre-School and Primary Scale of Intelligence: For ages 2-6 and 6-18 covering various cognitive areas.
- British Ability Scales: Another common measure.
Social Development Assessments
- Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd Edition: Evaluates infants from 1 month to 3.5 years across mental and motor domains.
Other Developmental Assessments
- Denver Developmental Screening Test, 2nd Edition: Screens for developmental delays from birth to 6.5 years.
Interviewing Parents
- Address parents' anxieties to ensure a comfortable environment during interviews.
- Allow parents to discuss their child's problems spontaneously before pursuing detailed questions.
- Obtain comprehensive developmental histories and specific examples related to the child’s issues.
Interviewing and Observing the Child
- Younger children may communicate feelings through behaviour; observe interactions closely.
- Use drawings or toys to facilitate expression.
- Older children can engage more similarly to adults, with appropriate language adjustments.
Interviewing the Family
- Family interviews assess interactions rather than factual information.
- Focus on family discord, which correlates with psychiatric disorders.
- Conduct the family interview early in the assessment process to avoid biases.
Techniques of Interviewing
- Build rapport with the child to foster openness.
- Inquire about their problems, preferences, and future aspirations.
- Younger children can express feelings through play or drawings.
- Be mindful of children's suggestibility and avoid leading questions.
Behaviour and Mental State
- Initial silence or withdrawal in children may not indicate depression.
- Conduct developmental assessments to evaluate the child's growth relative to peers by the conclusion of the interview.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the aims and differences of psychiatric assessment of children and their families, including obtaining a clear account of the presenting problem and planning treatment.
