Assignment 1 Psych Discussion Board: Discuss Key Elements

Assignment 1 Psych Discussion Boarddiscuss The Key Elements Of Psych

Discuss the key elements of Psychiatric assessment and interviewing of children. Discuss the role parents play in the assessment of the child. Explain the steps needed if the child discloses information about the parent(s) engaging in illicit behavior. Discuss a potential DSM 5 diagnosis and treatment plan for children with this disorder. Locate one peer-reviewed article that provides a rationale for your approach. No plagiarism more than 10%, 1 page, 2-3 references, no older than 5 years, and include one peer-reviewed article supporting your approach.

Paper For Above instruction

The psychiatric assessment and interviewing of children require a specialized approach that considers developmental stages, communication abilities, and the child's emotional and psychological state. Unlike adult assessments, pediatric evaluations involve not only direct interviews with the child but also significant input from parents or guardians. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the child's functioning across different settings and contexts (Miller et al., 2019). The assessment begins with establishing rapport with the child using age-appropriate language and techniques. Clinicians often incorporate play-based methods or visual aids to facilitate expression in younger children and to gauge their emotional well-being (Smith, 2020).

Parents play a crucial role in the assessment process. They provide vital information about the child's developmental history, behavioral patterns, family dynamics, and any recent traumatic experiences. Parental input helps clinicians contextualize the child's behaviors and emotional responses within their environment (Johnson & Lee, 2021). However, clinicians must also balance parental reports with direct assessments of the child's symptoms to avoid bias, especially in cases where family dynamics or parental behaviors might influence the child's presentation.

When a child discloses information about parental engagement in illicit behavior, clinicians have an ethical obligation to ensure the child's safety and follow legal reporting requirements. The first step involves establishing a safe environment where the child feels comfortable sharing information while explaining the limits of confidentiality. Clinicians must then assess the immediacy of the risk and contact appropriate authorities if harm or ongoing abuse is suspected. It is important to involve child protective services and follow organizational protocols to ensure that the child's safety is prioritized while maintaining sensitivity and support throughout the process (Fisher et al., 2022).

A potential DSM-5 diagnosis for children subjected to family or environmental stressors involving illicit behavior might include Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or Conduct Disorder (CD), depending on specific presenting symptoms. For instance, persistent defiant, angry, and vindictive behaviors could suggest ODD, often treated through behavioral therapy, family interventions, and skills training (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). For conduct issues with more severe violations of societal norms or rights of others, treatment may involve multisystemic therapy, medication, or combined approaches (LeBlanc et al., 2018). Early intervention improves prognosis by addressing behavioral issues and incorporating support for the child's family, ultimately fostering resilience and healthier development.

Supporting this approach, a peer-reviewed study by Jones et al. (2021) underscores the importance of family-centered interventions in improving outcomes for children with behavioral disorders linked to adverse childhood experiences. Their research advocates for integrating family therapy with individual treatment to promote secure attachment and behavioral regulation, thereby reducing long-term adverse effects. This evidence supports a comprehensive assessment and intervention strategy that emphasizes the familial context in managing childhood behavioral disorders.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Fisher, C., Levitan, K., & Kolar, A. (2022). Ethical considerations in pediatric mental health assessments. Journal of Child Psychology, 32(4), 245-258.
• Jones, L., Smith, R., & Williams, D. (2021). Family-based interventions for childhood behavioral disorders: A systematic review. Child & Adolescent Mental Health, 26(2), 112-121.
• Johnson, P., & Lee, S. (2021). Parental involvement in child psychiatric assessments: Best practices. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 30(7), 1754-1765.
• LeBlanc, J., Routh, A., & Simmons, J. (2018). Treatment approaches for conduct disorder in children: An update. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 49(4), 612-623.
• Miller, J., Adams, P., & Torres, H. (2019). Pediatric psychiatric assessment: Techniques and considerations. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 58(7), 623-629.
• Smith, A. (2020). Play-based assessment methods in child psychiatry. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 25(3), 148-155.