Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation for Children

What is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?

A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may help 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.

When should a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation be sought?

Many times, parents are the first to suspect that their child or teen is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited to, problems with relationships with friends and/or family members, school, sleeping, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, coping, attentiveness, and responsiveness. It's 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 available.

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 each child's symptoms and behaviors are different. Evaluation may include:

• Description of behaviors present (for example, when do the behaviors occur, how long does the behavior last, what are the conditions in which the behaviors most often occur)

• Description of symptoms noted (physical and psychiatric symptoms)

• Effects of behaviors/symptoms as related to:

  • School performance

  • Relationships and interactions with others (for example, parents, siblings, classmates, teachers)

  • Family involvement

  • Activity involvement

• Psychiatric interview

• Personal and family history of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders

• Complete medical history, including description of the child's overall physical health, list of any other illnesses or conditions present, and any treatments currently being administered

• Laboratory tests, in some cases (may used to determine if an underlying medical condition is present), including:

  • Blood tests

  • Radiology studies to look for abnormalities, especially in the brain

  • Educational assessments

  • Speech and language assessments

  • Psychological assessments

A parent's concerns when a child is being evaluated

It's natural, and quite common, for a parent to question himself or 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:

• What's wrong with my child?

• Is my child abnormal?

• Did I do something wrong in raising them to cause this condition?

• Does my child need to be hospitalized?

• Will my child require treatment?

• Will my child "outgrow" these behaviors?

• Is this just "a phase" my child is going through?

• What will treatment cost?

• Where do I go for help for my child?

• What does this diagnosis mean?

• How can my family become involved?

If a diagnosis is made based on one, or more, psychiatric evaluations, parent and family involvement in treatment is extremely important for any child or adolescent with a mental health disorder. Your child's doctor, or mental health practitioner will address your questions and provide reassurance by working with you to establish long-term and short-term treatment goals for your child.