Optimizing the Psychiatric Interview of Children and Adolescents

The psychiatric interview is the cornerstone of the psychotherapeutic process, playing a critical role in establishing trust, eliciting useful responses, assessing patient behavior and psychopathology, and establishing treatment goals and plans. This comprehensive guide, Psychiatric Interview of Children and Adolescents, has been thoroughly updated to address emerging issues and evolving treatment strategies in an accessible, down-to-earth, and comprehensive style and structure.

A Comprehensive Approach to Psychiatric Interviews

This book builds on the success of its predecessor, providing an in-depth exploration of the principles of interviewing, the use of the AMSIT model for mental status examinations, and the evaluation of both internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Additionally, it covers essential topics such as:

• Neuropsychiatric assessment
• Psychiatric formulation
• Comorbidities
• Resistances
• Countertransference

New and Notable Features

This updated edition includes several new and notable features, including:

• A dedicated chapter on the psychiatric evaluation of preschoolers and very young children, highlighting the importance of a “multiples” model: multiple sessions, multiple informants, multiple experts, multiple modes of assessment, multicultural approach, and multiaxial emphasis.
• Expanded coverage of bullying, including cyberbullying, and its pervasive effects on young people immersed in social media.
• Recognition of the importance of considering the relational context of the family in understanding behavior problems in children and young adults.
• Increased focus on evaluating children and adolescents from special populations, including those with neurodevelopmental disorders, intellectual disabilities, and post-traumatic stress disorder related to terrorism or burn trauma.

Instructional Aims and Clinical Vignettes

The book’s instructional aims are enhanced by the use of carefully chosen and compellingly crafted clinical vignettes that illustrate vital concepts and techniques. Key points at the end of each chapter help readers identify and remember the most important material, ensuring that clinicians can master the skills and attain the insight they require to accurately assess and effectively treat this vulnerable patient population.

Psychiatric Interview of Children and Adolescents is an indispensable resource for clinicians seeking to optimize their practice and provide the best possible care for their patients.