Joan Kinlan

Summary of the practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD

This summary of the practice parameters describes the assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults who present with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The rationales for specific recommendations are based on a review of the scientific literature and clinical consensus which is contained in the complete document. Assessment includes clinical interviews with the child and parents and standardized rating scales from parent and teachers. Testing of intelligence and academic achievement is usually required. Comorbidity is common. The cornerstones of treatment are support and education of parents, appropriate school placement, and psychopharmacology. The primary medications are psychostimulants, but antidepressants and alpha-adrenergic agonists are used in special circumstances. Other treatments such as behavior modification, school consultation, family therapy, and group therapy address remaining symptoms.

Summary of the practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder

This summary provides an overview of the assessment and treatment recommendations contained in the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Major recommendations include the use of clinical interviewing with specific questioning about posttraumatic stress symptoms to diagnose this disorder; recognition of developmental considerations that may impact on how posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms manifest in children; and the use of trauma-focused treatment interventions. Limitations and controversies regarding the present state of knowledge in the area of childhood posttraumatic stress disorder are also discussed.

Summary of the practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with substance use disorders

This summary describes the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with substance use disorders and is based on scientific evidence regarding diagnosis and effective treatment as well as on the current state of clinical practice. Given the paucity of research on the treatment of substance use disorders in children and adolescents, many of the recommendations are drawn from the adult literature and current clinical practice. This summary considers risk factors for substance use and related problems, normative use of substances by adolescents, the comorbidity of substance use disorders with other psychiatric disorders, and treatment settings and modalities.

Summary of the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Anxiety Disorders

ABSTRACT Anxiety disorders is one of the most prevalent categories of psychopathology in children and adolescents. These revised practice parameters highlight the DSM-IV changes for anxiety disorders and review the literature related to the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Up-to-date information on longitudinal outcome data, assessment of anxiety, parent-child interventions, and use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors has been added to the previous parameters, published in September 1993. Recommendations for evaluation and multimodal approaches to treatment are presented.

Summary of the practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder

This summary provides an overview of the assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment recommendations contained in the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OCD is a disorder of heterogeneous origin characterized by intrusive thoughts or compulsive urges or behaviors that are distressing, time-consuming, or functionally impairing. In children and adolescents, the disorder often is accompanied by a wide range of comorbidity. Two modalities have been systematically assessed and empirically shown to ameliorate the core symptoms of OCD: cognitive-behavioral therapy (primarily exposure/response prevention) and serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication. Additional individual and family psychotherapeutic, pharmacological, and educational interventions often are necessary.

Summary of the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Language and Learning Disorders

This summary provides an overview of the recommendations contained in the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Language and Learning Disorders. These disorders are among the most common developmental disorders. The diagnosis of language and learning disorders requires a discrepancy, based on age and intelligence, between potential and achievement. The clinician collaborates with parents and school personnel to clarify the diagnosis, implement appropriate treatment and remediation, and monitor progress. The clinician also is instrumental in identifying and treating comorbid conditions. Long-term prognosis depends on the type and severity of the language or learning disorder, the availability of remediation, and the presence of a supportive family and school environment.