Development of a structured psychiatric Interview for children: Agreement on diagnosis comparing child and parent interviews

Similar structured diagnostic interviews about the child were given by different interviewers to a cohort of 307 mother-child pairs. A diagnosis was made by computer on each interview, using specified criteria. Diagnoses on mother-child interviews were compared using the kappa statistic. Kappas of .30 or higher were found for the diagnosis of antisocial personality, conduct disorder, enuresis, mixed behavior-neurotic disorder, and possible depression. Comparisons were made for sex and age. Possible depression and enuresis were diagnosed reliably at all age levels and for both sexes. The limitations of the interview and diagnostic system used are discussed. The findings support the need for further efforts to develop diagnostic research interviews for use with children and adolescents.     

Understanding and Counseling Self‐Mutilation in Female Adolescents and Young Adults

This article examines the syndrome of self‐mutilation with specific attention given to self‐mutilation in female adolescents and young adults. Causes, symptoms, types, definitions, and treatments are discussed. Included is an explanation of the lexical and conceptual confusion that accompanies self‐mutilation. Implications and recommendations for counselors are addressed.