Approach to Treating the Adolescent with Multiple Comorbid Mental Disorders
Date: December 18, 2024
Presented by: Victoria Kolnybolonchuk (Private Practice)
Didactics prepared by: Denise Polasky, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Oregon Health & Science University
We successfully completed a training session on working with adolescents who face multiple mental health issues. The event, organized as part of the ECHO project, was conducted by Dr. Denise Polasky, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
The focus was on key aspects of patient assessment, such as ensuring safety, correct diagnosis, medical history, and medication therapy. The session covered in detail the issues of emotional dysregulation, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, and the importance of a holistic approach to treatment.
Denise Polaski emphasized that adolescents with complex psychosocial histories are often misdiagnosed, so it is important to carefully analyze symptoms, their chronology, and previous treatment history. It was emphasized that treatment should be focused on the most pronounced symptoms that worsen the patient’s well-being, with the involvement of the family in the therapy process.
The session became a source of valuable information for all participants and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to psychiatric care for adolescents. We thank everyone who participated and invite you to participate in future ECHO project events.
