Related Experiment Videos
Psychosocial screening in pediatric practice: identifying high-risk children
W O Walker1, R G LaGrone, A W Atkinson
1Exceptional Family Member Department, 97th General Hospital, U.S. Army, Europe.
Summary
The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) effectively screens for psychosocial issues in children. This study validates the PSC as a reliable tool for pediatric mental health assessment in diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Psychosocial Assessment
- Child Mental Health Screening
Background:
- The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) is a tool used for screening psychosocial problems in children.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of screening tools is crucial for early intervention in pediatric mental health.
Observation:
- 212 children (ages 6-12) at a military clinic were screened using the PSC.
- High-risk and not-high-risk children were interviewed and rated on the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS).
- Mothers completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for each child.
Findings:
- The PSC demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity when compared to CGAS and CBCL.
- Results indicate the PSC is a valid screening instrument for multiethnic pediatric populations.
- The PSC's performance was consistent with previous research findings.
Implications:
- The PSC can be reliably used in diverse pediatric settings for early identification of psychosocial concerns.
- Validated screening tools like the PSC support timely and appropriate mental health interventions for children.
- This study reinforces the utility of the PSC in routine pediatric care.