Beyond Diagnosis: Formulation-Storytelling and Maps

In this Clinical Perspective, we argue that, at least for some patients, formulation, rather than diagnosis, should be the cornerstone in clinical practice in child and adolescent psychiatry. As opposed to a rigid, tick-the-box approach to formulation, we advocate for a conceptualization of formulation that moves the practice of (child and adolescent) psychiatry into the realm of storytelling and construction of narratives. We suggest that the use of role playing and narrative art forms, such as novels or films, during the training may contribute to develop the skills in telling a story (ie, the formulation) about/to a patient.