SAMPLE CHECKLIST FOR SPEAKING WITH THE PSYCHIATRIST

Background

  • How long has psychiatrist been treating the child?
  • How often has he/she seen child?
  • The child’s overall functioning, including cognitive ability and intellectual functioning
  • The behavioral and disciplinary issues of the child and whether they are specific to any particular situations
  • Has psychiatrist spoken with child about the proposed treatment plan?
  • Whether child expressed any preference regarding treatment
  • Maturity of child to make an informed decision
  • Are there any medical conditions or developmental issues the child has that may complicate or impact on the questions and issues before the court?

Diagnosis

  • What is child’s diagnosis(ses)?
  • What are the associated characteristics, signs, and symptoms?
  • How did psychiatrist arrive at diagnosis?
  • Has psychiatrist spoken with prior treating psychiatrist or therapist if any?
  • Does psychiatrist have first hand knowledge of symptoms and behaviors?
  • Other mental health disorders of the child

Treatment History

  • What is the child’s current treatment plan including any emergency or p.r.n. (as needed) medications, including benefits and side effects?
  • What other medications and treatments have been tried, including benefits and side effects?

Proposed Treatment Plan

  • Medications to be used
  • dosage range
  • expected benefits (including behaviors or issues the medication will address)
  • likelihood of achieving expected benefits
  • is medication FDA approved?
  • what type of monitoring is required (i.e., AIMS or liver tests)
  • time periods before expected benefits
  • contingent plans if expected benefits are not achieved
  • potential side effects, including severity and probability of occurring and recommended treatment to manage side effects
  • are there are other medical conditions affected by the medication
  • how does  the medication interact with other drugs or alcohol
  • is there potential for abuse or dependency
  • Other recommended treatments
  • individual psychotherapy
  • groups therapy
  • behavior management
  • anger management
  • Alternative medications and why this particular medication is recommended over others
  • Alternative treatments (such as therapy, behavior management,  biofeedback, acupuncture, herbal or nutritional treatment), their benefits and risks
  • Urgency of treatment – whether the child is at risk if there are delays in treatment