THE PSYCHIATRIC INTERVIEW OF A CHILD

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THE PSYCHIATRIC INTERVIEW OF A CHILD

• ISSUES IN ASSESSMENT

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DETERMINANTS OF THE MENTAL STATE
BIOLOGICAL
MENTAL STATE OF CHILD
TIME
INTRAPSYCHIC
INTERPERSONAL
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LIMITATIONS TO DIRECT EXAMINATION

• INCAPACITY TO REMEMBER
• INCAPACITY TO PALPATE THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS
• UNRELIABILITY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS
• CONCEALMENT THROUGH FEAR AND GUILT
• INARTICULATE
• UNCOOPERATIVE
• AFRAID OF THE EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

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SIGNIFICANT LIFE EVENTS FOR INVESTIGATION

• SEPARATION FROM MOTHER TEMPORARY/PERMANENT
• BIRTH OF SIBLING
• ILLNESS OR HOSPITALIZATION
• ENTRY INTO SCHOOL
• PUBERTY
• EXTRAFAMILIAL ATTACHMENTS

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ELEMENTS IN PARENTAL INTERVIEWS

• RESISTANCES AND DEFENCES-RATIONALIZATION, DENIAL,
  DISPLACEMENT, PROJECTION
• PARENTAL REMEMBERING
• PARENTAL DISCORD
• DESCRIPTIONS OF BEHAVIOUR MORE RELIABLE THAN
  UNEARTHING FORCES AND INFLUENCES