Discussion rubric
Based on the YMH Boston Vignette 5 video, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm3FLGxb2ZU) post answers to the following questions:
- What did the practitioner do well? In what areas can the practitioner improve?
- At this point in the clinical interview, do you have any compelling concerns? If so, what are they?
- 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.
- Explain why a thorough psychiatric assessment of a child/adolescent is important.
- Describe two different symptom rating scales that would be appropriate to use during the psychiatric assessment of a child/adolescent.
- Describe two psychiatric treatment options for children and adolescents that may not be used when treating adults.
- Explain the role parents/guardians play in assessment.
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 sources.
Comprehensive Integrated Psychiatric Assessment
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Comprehensive Integrated Psychiatric Assessment
Introduction
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment is crucial to diagnose psychological problems. Comprehensive psychiatric assessments are performed by a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, counselor, or social health worker (Yearwood & Newland, 2021). In the presented video, the patient is referred to a social worker for a comprehensive psychiatric assessment after the doctor suspected symptoms of depression and anxiety. The purpose of this paper is to use the video and other materials to answer the questions required to complete the assignment.
Tony who is the patient meets with the social worker who then asks him a series of questions to ensure an accurate diagnosis. During this comprehensive mental health assessment, the practitioner did well in several areas (Williams & Hill, 2020). For example, the practitioners practiced empathy throughout the assessment. She also gave the patient time to explain himself without interruption to ensure helpful information was received (Yearwood & Newland, 2021). Furthermore, the practitioner asked the patient several relevant questions that were appropriate to the suggestion of the doctor.
However, the practitioner would have gathered much more detailed information than what was collected. For example, the practitioner does not inquire much about the relationship problem that arose between the patient and his girlfriend, the suicidal thoughts, and the feeling that he doesn’t worth living. These are important areas that need detailed information (Yearwood & Newland, 2021). In addition, these are areas of concern in this interview. The most probable next question would be, is there anything else you would wish to say that you think is crucial for the situation? This question allows the patient to air their mind or concern that the practitioner might have omitted.
A thorough psychiatric assessment of an adolescent or a child is important to help diagnose emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems in these individuals. Children and adolescents are growing and throughout their development, they face various challenges that are likely to cause psychological disturbance (Williams & Hill, 2020). This category of people faces issues related to social, school, parenting problems, family issues, drug abuse, and others. Many symptom rating scales can be used during the psychiatric assessment of a child/adolescent.
The two selected symptom rating scales include Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) and The Conners’ Rating Scales-Revised (CRS-R). The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) was developed to facilitate the recognition and referral of psychosocial problems (Williams & Hill, 2020). The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) covers a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues in children. Additionally, the Conners’ Rating Scales-Revised (CRS-R) was developed for the assessment of emotional and behavioral problems (Williams & Hill, 2020). It comprises a set of six standardized measures designed to evaluate behavioral symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD).
Two psychiatric treatment options for children and adolescents include psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy treatment involves cognitive behavioral therapies, counseling, and creative therapies (Yearwood & Newland, 2021). In addition, treatment might involve giving a child/adolescent medication that can reduce the symptoms of the psychiatric problems they are experiencing. There are various types of drugs for the treatment of mental health problems such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.
Patients and guardians have a significant role to play in the psychiatric assessment of children and adolescents. Children and adolescents may not be bold enough to describe their feelings or symptoms (Copeland et al., 2021). Parents and guardians should be present to provide more accurate and appropriate information. Parents and guardians will be responsible to answer relevant questions.
Conclusion
The patient in the video met with a social worker for a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. The practitioner did well during the process. Psychiatric assessment of children and adolescents is important because these individuals face developmental and transitional (into adulthood) issues that may lead to psychological disturbances. Proper tools and treatment approaches are needed to improve health. Patients and guardians may be present during the assessment to ensure useful information is provided.