Some children /adolescents may be more difficult to assess than adults, as they can be less psychologically minded. That is, they have less insight into themselves and their motivations than adults ( although this is not universally true). The PMHNP must also take into consideration the child’s culture and environmental context. Additionally, with children/ adolescents, there are lower rates of neurocognitive disorders superimposed on other clinical conditions, such as depression or anxiety, which create additional diagnostic challenges.
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 ratify rating scales and treatment options that are specifically appropriate for children/ adolescents.
To prepare:
(a) Review the resources and consider the insights they provide on comprehensive, integrated psychiatric assessment.
(b) Watch the Mental Status Examination B-6 and Simulation Scenario-Adolescent Risk Assessment Videos.
(c) Watch the YMH Boston Vignette 5 video and take notes; you will use this video as the basis for your Discussion post.
Assignment Instruction:
(1) Based on the YMH Boston Vignette 5 video, Post answers to the following questions:
(a) What did the practitioner do well? In what areas can the practitioner improve?
(b) At this point in the clinical interview, do you have any compelling concerns? If so, what are they?
(c) What would be your next question, and why?
Then, address the following. Your answers to these prompts do not have to be tailored to the patient in the YMH Boston Video.
(1) Explain why a thorough psychiatric assessment of a child/adolescent is important.
(2) Describe two different symptom rating scales that would be appropriate to use during the psychiatric assessment of a child/ adolescent .
(3) Describe two psychiatric treatment options for children and adolescents that may not be used when treating adults.
(4) Explain the role parents/ guardians play in assessment.
(5) Support your response with at least THREE peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources and explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly.
Attach the PDFs of your resources. Provide at least three references and answer all parts of the discussion questions with reflective analysis with no grammar or spelling errors.
(6) Respond to at least Two of your classmates’ posts by offering additional insights or alternative perspectives on their analysis of the video, other rating scales that may be used with children, or other treatment options for children not yet mentioned. Be specific and provide a rationale with evidence.
