How do we assess and treat psychological disorders in children and adolescents?

Introduction

Assessing and treating psychological disorders in children and adolescents is a complex process that involves a combination of diagnostic assessments, therapeutic interventions, and sometimes pharmacological treatments. The goal is to accurately diagnose the disorder, understand its impact on the child's life, and implement effective treatment strategies to improve their mental health and overall functioning.

Key Insights

Assessment of Psychological Disorders

Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessments: Evaluations should include developmental, social, educational, and psychological aspects to arrive at accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments .
Use of Standardized Tools: Standardized tests and rating scales are essential for assessing psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents .

Treatment of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is highly effective for treating anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents, showing medium to large effects for symptom reduction .
Combination Therapy: Combining psychological therapies with antidepressant medication can be more effective than medication alone for achieving higher remission rates in depressive disorders .
Pharmacological Treatments: Antidepressants may be necessary for severe cases of depression, psychosis, or bipolar depression, but routine prescription for anxiety disorders is not recommended due to potential harm .

Psychological Interventions for Chronic Illness

Parent-Inclusive Therapies: Psychological therapies that include parents can significantly improve child symptoms, particularly for painful conditions, and enhance parent mental health and behavior.

Specific Disorders

Schizophrenia: Treatment should focus on symptom alleviation, reducing long-term morbidity, and preventing relapse, with a comprehensive approach that includes family counseling, pharmacological, educational, and habilitative interventions.

Conclusion

The assessment and treatment of psychological disorders in children and adolescents require a multifaceted approach that includes comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and evidence-based treatments. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is particularly effective for anxiety and depressive disorders, while combination therapies may offer additional benefits for severe cases. Including parents in therapeutic interventions can also improve outcomes for children with chronic illnesses. Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans are essential for addressing the unique needs of each child and adolescent.

How do we assess and treat psychological disorders in children and adolescents?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Assessment of Psychological Disorders

Treatment of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders

Psychological Interventions for Chronic Illness

Specific Disorders

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Practice parameters for the psychiatric assessment of children and adolescents. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry developed these practice parameters to guide clinicians in evaluating psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents, emphasizing a developmental perspective and guiding accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.

Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents: an evidence-based medicine review.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the treatment of choice for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents, with substantial evidence supporting its efficacy.

Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Depressive Disorders

Psychotherapy may be the first treatment for most depressed youth, but antidepressants should be considered for those with psychosis, bipolar depression, severe depressions, and those not responding to adequate psychotherapy trials.

Psychological interventions for parents of children and adolescents with chronic illness.

Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, significantly improve child symptoms and parent behavior and mental health in parents of children with chronic illnesses.

Summary of the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Mental Retardation and Comorbid Mental Disorders. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

The Practice Parameters for Assessing and Treating Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Mental Retardation and Comorbid Mental Disorders emphasize normalization, education, and habilitation, while considering biological, psychological, and psychosocial contexts.

Psychological therapies versus antidepressant medication, alone and in combination for depression in children and adolescents.

Psychological therapies and antidepressant medication alone show no significant difference in effectiveness for treating depression in children and adolescents.

Assessment and management of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents

CBT is effective for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, with low-intensity versions promising for increased access.

Aacap Official ActionPractice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Schizophrenia

The Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Schizophrenia emphasizes symptom alleviation, reducing long-term morbidity, and preventing relapse, while considering developmental, social, educational, and psychological needs.

Introduction to special issue: Evidence-based assessment in pediatric psychology.

Evidence-based assessment in pediatric psychology is crucial for guiding treatment design and advancing scientist-practitioner approaches in therapy and research.

Psychological therapies versus antidepressant medication, alone and in combination for depression in children and adolescents.

Psychological therapies and antidepressant medication show no significant differences in effectiveness for treating depression in children and adolescents, with limited evidence suggesting antidepressant medication may be more effective than psychotherapy.

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