Sections
Pediatric Evaluation and Laboratory Testing: Introduction | Medical Diagnostic Approach to the Patient Presenting
With Psychiatric Symptoms | Physical Assessment | Diagnostic Laboratory Assessments | Indications for Specialized Testing | Conclusion | Summary Points | References
Excerpt
The initial comprehensive evaluation of a child
or adolescent presenting with psychiatric symptoms provides an opportunity
to gather information about the child's health status,
health care providers, past or current medical illnesses, disabilities,
hospitalizations, surgeries, allergies, and medications. It is imperative
that physical ailments are investigated before assuming that the
cause of concern is psychiatric in nature.