The diagnosis is made on the basis of:
1. observation:
a. general appearance of the patient
b. emotional reactions
c. the way of speaking
d. content discussed
2. interview
– from the patient,
– from the family (in some cases)
3. analysis of available medical, psychological or forensic documentation (if necessary)
4. psychological tests currently carried out (possibility of comparing the results of the tests with previous ones)
Diagnosis of children and adolescents includes:
Family and developmental interview
Psychological tests
Pedagogical tests
Medical consultation
In the diagnosis of children and adolescents, the systemic context of psychological diagnosis is taken into account understanding of mental disorders of children and adolescents in the context of family functioning. It is very important to determine what the diagnosis means for the patient as well as his family and the wider environment in which he functions.
Holistic approach in diagnosis:
• individual diagnosis
• family (and more broadly environmental) diagnosis
• indications for individual and / or group therapy
• indications resulting from the diagnosis to include other forms of help: speech therapy, reeducation, kinesitherapy and other
• possibly family therapy and further diagnosis in therapy
