Discussion - American Academy of Pediatrics (2024)

Discussion

American Academy of Pediatrics (2024). Highlight that special considerations in interviewing children include adapting to their developmental level, as young children may struggle to express their thoughts, feelings and challenges fully. Using age-appropriate language and visual aids helps with communication, while play-based methods like drawing or storytelling can build rapport and let children express emotions indirectly. Gathering information from parents and teachers offers a complete view of the child's behavior across settings, reducing bias. Lastly, creating a relaxed, familiar environment and explaining the process simply can ease the child’s anxiety, fostering trust and openness (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024).

A comprehensive assessment for a child suspected of ADHD, depression, or both starts with a clinical interview with the child and parents to identify symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, sadness, or irritability, along with any overlaps. Family and developmental history, as well as input from teachers, help reveal impacts on daily life. Utilizing diagnostic tools, like the Vanderbilt ADHD Rating Scale (Anderson et al., 2022) and Children’s Depression Inventory (Patra & Kumar, 2023), aid in measuring symptoms, while observing the child in a clinical setting offers direct insights. Neurocognitive tests can clarify if cognitive issues stem from ADHD or depression. It is also important that extensive screening for other mental and health conditions be considered as these can mimic or add their symptoms.