Citation

Kasinathan J, Flower T, Singh Y, Harden S. Australas. Psychiatry 2017; 25(6): 603-608.

Affiliation

Forensic, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and; Medical Director, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1039856217732482

PMID

29034692

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: It is accepted practice in Australia and New Zealand for psychiatric impairment rating scales to be applied for persons claiming psychiatric injury. These scales were derived for adults, not children. There is less clarity as to whether and how these scales may be applied for children claiming psychiatric injury.

METHODS: We review Australian and New Zealand guidelines and methods for assessing permanent psychiatric impairment, as they apply to children and adolescents.

RESULTS: With significant caution, psychiatric impairment rating scales can be administered for children. Guidance and recommendations in this regard are provided. For some, the effects of psychiatric injury may not be stable, and permanent impairment assessment should be delayed until sufficient maturity occurs.

CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric impairment rating scales are widely applied for adults claiming psychiatric injury, however caution must be exercised when these scales are used in children.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescents; children; psychiatric impairment; psychiatric injury; rating scales