The impact of diagnosis and information; the psychoeducational approach

The word intervention is sometimes taken to mean ‘treatment’. This is often not appropriate. Treatment should be aimed at a specific problem/dysfunction/pathology which can be positively affected by the treatment; a cure is intended. The typical example is antibiotic treatment of a bacterial infection; cures are often achieved. Treatment in this sense, more often than not, does not apply in child and adolescent psychiatry. Child and adolescent psychiatry is certainly not unique in this respect. Contrary to popular belief, treatment in this sense, is not available in the vast majority of problems in any branch of medicine.

Almost all the neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood are severely handicapping subchronic or chronic conditions. In the majority of cases no cures are available to date, and any intervention should be performed in order to improve the situation of the individual and family rather than to cure the underlying disorder.

Diagnosis and information are often major components of good treatment. They always constitute essential elements of intervention.

In general, information about the diagnosis, work-up and implications should be as open and detailed as possible, taking into account the specifics and needs of the individual and his/her family. Optimally, often both parents should be present when the information is shared. Written information to supplement the oral communication is usually helpful. A written summary of the diagnostic evaluation should be provided in most cases.