Evaluating Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment Techniques
A comprehensive integrated psychiatric assessment (CIPA) is an approach used by mental
healthcare professionals to holistically diagnose illnesses and develop treatment plans. CIPA
considers all the biological, social, cultural, and psychological aspects of a patient’s mental
health. The comprehensive integrated psychiatric assessment involves components such as a
detailed interview, an examination of the patient's mental status, a review of the patient's
psychiatric history, a physical examination, a cognitive assessment, and cultural beliefs held
by the patient about mental health.
Evaluating Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment Techniques
Although most of the assessment principles are the same
for children and adults, children/adolescents may be more difficult to assess than adults since
they have less insight into themselves and their motivations than adults. Additionally, the
PMHNP must take into consideration the child’s culture and environmental context. This
discussion will review and critique the techniques and methods of a mental health
professional as the practitioner completes a comprehensive, integrated psychiatric assessment
of an adolescent. It will also identify rating scales and treatment options that are specifically
appropriate for children/adolescents.
Evaluating Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment Techniques
Based on the YMH Boston Vignette 5 video;
What did the practitioner do well? In what areas can the practitioner improve?
The practitioner in the Vignette 5 video did well in several areas. For instance, she was able to
first build a rapport with the patient, which made the patient feel more comfortable answering
questions during the clinical appointment (YMH Boston, 2013). Also, the practitioner
demonstrated perfect active listening by nodding constantly, maintaining eye contact, and
building on the patient's response to ask more questions (YMH Boston, 2013). Additionally,
the practitioner in the video used open-ended questions, which allowed the patient to express
his answer freely. Such questions include, how has your mood been lately? How are you
doing in school? and require a detailed response rather than a yes or no answer. APA