For this Assignment, as you examine the client case study in this week’s Learning Resources, consider how you might assess and treat pediatric clients presenting symptoms of a mental health disorder. Examine You will be asked to make three decisions concerning the diagnosis and treatment for this client. Be sure to consider co-morbid physical as well as mental factors that might impact the client’s diagnosis and treatment.
Pediatric mental health disorders represent a significant public health concern, with an estimated one in five children experiencing a diagnosable mental health disorder in any given year (Merikangas et al., 2010). Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to have a comprehensive understanding of how to assess and treat pediatric clients presenting with such symptoms. In this assignment, we will examine a client case study and make three decisions related to the diagnosis and treatment of a pediatric client with a mental health disorder.
To effectively assess and treat pediatric clients with mental health disorders, healthcare professionals must consider a range of factors, including both physical and mental co-morbidities. Physical factors such as chronic illnesses, neurological disorders, and developmental delays can significantly impact a child’s mental health and must be taken into account during the assessment process (Perou et al., 2013). For instance, a child with a chronic illness may experience increased stress and anxiety, which can manifest as symptoms of a mental health disorder. Understanding the interplay between physical and mental health is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
In the case study provided, the client is a 7-year-old female who presents with symptoms of anxiety, including excessive worry, difficulty sleeping, and frequent stomachaches. The client’s mother reports no known physical health issues but notes a family history of anxiety disorders. Based on this information, it is important to explore any potential physical co-morbidities that may be contributing to the client’s symptoms. Gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome or food allergies, could be potential underlying causes of the client’s frequent stomachaches. Inquiring about the onset, duration, and characteristics of these stomachaches can help determine if further investigation is necessary.
Additionally, it is essential to assess for any developmental delays or neurological disorders that may be influencing the client’s presentation. Neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder often co-occur with anxiety disorders in children, presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment planning (Kumar et al., 2020). Therefore, thorough assessment of the client’s developmental history and behavioral observations can provide valuable insights into the underlying etiology of her symptoms. Evaluating the client’s social communication skills, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and sensory processing patterns can aid in identifying possible co-morbid conditions.
Upon completing a comprehensive assessment considering physical and mental co-morbidities, healthcare professionals can then make informed decisions regarding the client’s diagnosis and treatment. In this case, the decision-making process involves three critical aspects: diagnostic formulation, treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring for progress.
In terms of diagnostic formulation, it is important to consider diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). As the primary tool used by healthcare professionals to classify and diagnose mental health disorders, the DSM-5 provides a standardized framework to ensure accurate and reliable diagnoses (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In the case of the client presenting with symptoms of anxiety, it would be essential to determine if her symptoms meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder or separation anxiety disorder. Additionally, exploring potential co-occurring disorders, such as specific phobias or obsessive-compulsive disorder, can further refine the diagnostic formulation.
Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment planning becomes the next crucial step in providing effective care for the client. Treatment decisions should be evidence-based and tailored to the unique needs of the child. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, has emerged as a highly effective treatment for pediatric anxiety disorders, with a strong evidence base to support its efficacy (James et al., 2015).