Training general psychiatry residents in child and adolescent psychiatry

The authors describe the nature of current social and economic forces impacting on the education and future practice of general psychiatry residents in child and adolescent psychiatry. They review theoretical and practical reasons for training in child and adolescent psychiatry, analyze the form and content of what is currently taught based on a national survey of general training programs, and suggest guidelines for the training and postgraduate practice of general psychiatrists in evaluating and treating children and adolescents. The authors conclude that while social and economic changes necessitate general psychiatrists' clinical involvement with children and adolescents, insufficient general training may necessitate postgraduate education and supervision. They pose ethical and professional dilemmas for the field in meeting the national shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and propose strategies to enhance recruitment into child and adolescent residency training.