Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
What is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may be necessary to diagnose any number of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. An evaluation of a child or adolescent is made based on behaviors present and in relation to physical, genetic, environmental, social, cognitive (thinking), emotional, and educational components that may be affected as a result of the behaviors presented.
Who is evaluated?
Many times, parents are the first to suspect that their child or teen is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental stressors that cause them to act as if they are 'disturbed', rebellious, sad or anxious. Examples may include, but are not limited to, problems involving relationships with friends and/or family members, school, sleeping, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, coping skills, attentiveness, and responsiveness. It is important for families who suspect a problem in one or more of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for mental health disorders is both available and effective.
What is involved in a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?
The following are the most common components of a comprehensive, diagnostic psychiatric evaluation. However, each evaluation is different, as is each child's symptoms and behaviors are different. Evaluation may include the following:
- description of behaviors present (i.e., when the behaviors occur, how long the behavior lasts, what the conditions are in which the behaviors most often occur)
- description of symptoms noted (physical and psychiatric symptoms)
- effects of behaviors/symptoms as related to the following:
- school performance
- relationships and interactions with others (i.e., parents, siblings, classmates, teachers)
- family involvement
- social involvement
- psychiatric interview
- personal and family history of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders
- complete medical history, including description of child's overall physical health, list of any other illnesses or conditions present, and any treatments currently being administered
- laboratory tests and scans, in some cases (may be used to determine if an underlying medical condition is present), including the following:
- blood tests
- x-rays - Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- educational assessments
- speech and language assessments
A Parent's Concerns When a Child is Being Evaluated
It is natural, and quite common, for a parent to question himself/herself when it becomes necessary for a child or adolescent to be psychiatrically evaluated. Parents may have many questions and concerns as to the welfare and emotional well-being of their child. Common questions parents frequently ask include the following:
- What is wrong with my child?
- Is my child normal vs. behavior normal?
- Will my child "outgrow" these behaviors?
- Is my child is going through a "phase" ?
- Where do I go for help for my child?
- How can my family become involved?
- Will my child require treatment?
- What does this diagnosis mean? (for the future?)
- What options do I have?
- What treatment options are available?
- What will treatment cost?
- Does my child need medication?
- Does my child need to be hospitalized?
If evaluation demonstrates evidence of a mental health disorder, parent and family involvement and active participation in treatment is extremely important as part of treatment. Your child's physician will address your questions and provide reassurance by working with you to establish short-term and long-term treatment goals, additional testing and supportive services for your child.
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Written 11/00, rev. 5/03, 6/05, 7/07
