Child Adolescent Comprehensive Clinical Assessment: Fill & Download for Free

That’s a great question, and I’m glad you asked. A study published in 2007 by Moreno, et al., in the Archives of General Psychiatry (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17768268) found that, between 1994 and 2003, diagnosis of bipolar disorder in youth increased by about 40-fold. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder nearly doubled for adults. In their conclusions, the authors summarized, “This increase highlights a need for clinical epidemiological reliability studies to determine the accuracy of clinical diagnoses of child and adolescent bipolar disorder in community practice.” This study’s results are fairly spectacular and are unmatched by other similar studies I have reviewed. However, other more modest studies (Increased rates of bipolar disorder diagnoses among U.S. child, adolescent, and adult inpatients, 1996-2004.) also show remarkable increases in bipolar disorder diagnosis. For example, Blader & Carlson found “the rate in 1996 was 1.3 per 10,000 U.S. children and climbed to 7.3 per 10,000 U.S. children in 2004.” How could this be possible? There would be no rational explanation for why bipolar disorder would actually become more common over a mere 10 year period. While it is possible that some of this inflation was the result of previous under-diagnosis, the primary reason for this inflation is current over-diagnosis.Based on my clinical experience, this is usually due to one or more of the following reasons:1. Money: Clinicians can bill medical insurance for bipolar disorder. Some clinicians realize that a patient has Borderline Personality Disorder or another diagnosis. However, many insurance companies will not reimburse for these diagnoses (or will heavily limit reimbursement). The companies will reimburse for bipolar disorder so the doctor gives a bipolar diagnosis instead.2. Clinician Inexperience: The majority of patients seeking diagnosis of and treatment for bipolar disorder are first seen by general practitioners or family doctors. These clinicians generally do not have advanced training in mental health and often have a high volume of patients they must see daily. Many such physicians have completed a single months-long psychiatry rotation during medical school but have little training or experience beyond this. Even many mental health professionals genuinely do not know or understand the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder. Many clinicians hear “mood goes up and down,” immediately assume bipolar, and provide the diagnosis. Sadly many clinicians do not realize a manic episode must last at least a week in order to qualify (unless the severity requires hospitalization or emergency treatment). For some clinicians, diagnosis is essentially left to guess-work.3. Insufficient Resources: Some mental health professionals feel rushed, burned out, or are limited in resources (e.g., one person may have an overwhelming case load). As a result, they spend very little time considering the diagnosis or examining information supporting other more appropriate diagnoses. If they see another clinician provided a diagnosis of bipolar in the past or the patient says they “feel bipolar,” the clinician may assign the diagnosis and quickly move on to the next case. Errors arise when a diagnosis is given without enough time or thought.4. Favorite Diagnosis: Some diagnoses go in or out of style in certain settings. Diagnoses such as eating disorders, dissociative identity disorder, and borderline personality disorder have each seen rapid increases during short periods of time. Then many diagnoses (also such as dissociative identity disorder) will suddenly decrease in prevalence as it loses support from the mental health community. In addition to favored diagnoses within the culture, certain clinicians will tend to have certain diagnoses they prefer. One psychiatrist may have extensive training in PTSD treatment and may be more likely to identify and diagnosis this in response to a patient with a trauma history. Another psychiatrist who specializes in depression may diagnose major depressive disorder for this same patient because that is the lens he/she views the patient. Specialization and favoritism in one clinical area may blind clinicians to alternative hypotheses.5. Diagnostic Overlap: A number of other diagnoses and presentations have symptoms and associated features which overlap with bipolar disorder. Generally, lay-people, physicians, and even mental health clinicians associate bipolar disorder with the manic symptoms of high energy and unstable mood. For many people (clinicians included), this is the full extent of their memorized knowledge of bipolar disorder diagnostic criteria. However, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizoaffective disorder, intermittent-explosive disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder can be associated with high energy. Though disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and intermittent-explosive disorder will only have high energy in short bursts, they will also have simultaneous dysregulated mood which can confuse clinicians. I have seen many instances in which behavioral problems better categorized as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder are diagnosed as bipolar disorder. The child/adolescent is very irritable, defiant, angry, violence, and aggressive. Because the patient’s mood fluctuates rapidly between anger and anything else, the clinician will think of bipolar disorder and provide the diagnosis without support for any additional diagnostic criteria.There is unlikely to be a simple or easy solution to the current diagnostic issues with bipolar disorder. However, if you feel you or a loved one has been misdiagnosed, the next step may be to ask for a second opinion, consultation, or a thorough examination. If this is something which interests you, ensure that you seek an assessment from a clinician with specialized training and experience who will perform a thorough and comprehensive evaluation.

Nutritionists are professionals who assess and analyze individuals' eating patterns and encourage them to follow a healthy diet based on various dietary and nutritional concepts. They administer nutrition research and apply that expertise to health care and recovery.As a nutritionist, you have a unique opportunity to help your clients build new eating habits, meet their fitness and weight loss goals, and eventually sustain safe and satisfying lifestyle improvements. A nutritionist can play a significant role in your health by analyzing your diet and providing you with personalized advice. It's also a chance to encourage, inspire and motivate others to create a happier and healthier outlook.To become a Nutritionist, you need to follow the steps below:1. Stream and Subjects in Class 12thThe science stream (physics, chemistry, biology) is strongly recommended because it opens up a wider variety of courses and job opportunities. Taking Biology as a subject will also allow you to create a framework with a focus on human physiology.2. Graduation (Courses)In your graduation, there are numerous courses you may follow to become a nutritionist in India, such as B.Sc Nutrition, B.Sc Home Health, etc. Admission to both of these undergraduate programs is merit focused.B.Sc Food Technology: It is a 3-year course focussing on healthy food use. Food technology is the mechanism by which different food science concepts are implemented in the collection, processing, packaging, and healthy distribution of food. During the course, you'll be introduced to the basics of food technology, food science concepts, nutrition, food processing, and engineering, food preparation, etc. The critical field you'll be educated in is monitoring and measuring food safety. This course will help you understand the science behind nutrition and food, and will also open up a wide variety of choices beyond nutrition.B.Sc/ B.A. Nutrition: This is a three-year course concentrating on a broad range of subjects, such as human biology, dietary fundamentals, food biotechnology, fitness, weight loss techniques, human physiology, etc. The degree focuses not only on general health but also offers training in areas such as public health, nutrition for mothers and infants, etc. You'll also be introduced to food storage methods, food, and quality research, bakery basics, etc. At the end of the course, you'll be taught individually to plan diet charts and focus on weight loss plans.3. Post GraduationM.Sc in Food and Nutrition: Post-graduate programs allow you to select your specialty from different food and nutrition fields such as Clinical Health (clinical patient care), Child / Adolescents, Public Health, Food Processing, etc. The course from institutes like Allied HealthCare Academy focuses on specialized nutrition for human beings, clinical nutrition, nutritional science, quality assurance, etc. Completing an internship tenure of 6-8 months is mandatory. You will be required to work in different fields and to undergo intensive preparation.Post Graduate Diploma: Postgraduate diplomas typically last one year and are highly comprehensive. These nutrition courses from popular institutes like Allied HealthCare Academy will introduce you to the fundamentals of nutrition, public nutrition, clinical nutrition, nutrition for public health, and institutional food management. If you're only looking for a Certified nutritionist license, a PG Diploma is enough.

Nutritionists are practitioners who assess and examine the eating habits of people and advise them to adopt a balanced diet based on various dietary and nutritional principles. They conduct the research into nutrition and extend their knowledge to health care and rehabilitation.Scope of Nutritionists1. Inclusive NutritionistsThe nutritionist's primary work involves providing clear advice about the food and the associated nutritional value. In general, a holistic nutritionist is someone who takes care of a person's eating habits in order to improve their health.2. Clinical NutritionistsA licensed dietitian/nutritionist works about a limited community of individuals. As the name suggests, professional dietitian practices either inpatient settings or in ambulatory environments. He/she is a specialist in medicine, and under this heading, the applicant must take care of a particular field of health. These specialties include pediatric, kidney disease, diabetes, diet promotion, etc.3. Sports NutritionistsThe concerned person needs to be interested in sports. Even though different foods have different impacts on the body, regulation over what one eats is very important. A sports nutritionist is a person who prepares a healthy diet for athletes so they can achieve the best results in the field.Steps to Become a Nutritionist1. The subjects in Class 12thThe science stream (physics, chemistry, biology) is highly recommended as it opens up a broader range of courses and opportunities for jobs. By taking Biology as a subject, you will also be able to build a structure that focuses on human physiology.2. Courses in GraduationThere are various courses in your graduation you might be taking to become a nutritionist in India, such as B.Sc Nutrition, M.Sc Home Health, etc. Admission to both of these degree programs is based on merit.B.Sc Food Technology: It is a 3-year course focusing on healthy food use. Food technology is the mechanism by which different food science concepts are implemented in the collection, processing, packaging, and healthy distribution of food. During the course, you'll be introduced to the basics of food technology, food science concepts, nutrition, food processing, and engineering, food preparation, etcB.Sc / B.A. Nutrition: This is a three-year course concentrating on a broad range of subjects, such as human biology, dietary fundamentals, food biotechnology, fitness, weight loss techniques, human physiology, etc. The degree focuses not only on general health but also offers training in areas such as public health, nutrition for mothers and infants, etc. You'll also be introduced to food storage methods, food, and quality research, bakery basics, etc. At the end of the course, you'll be taught individually to plan diet charts and focus on weight loss plans.3. Post GraduationM.Sc in Food and Nutrition: Post-graduate programs allow you to select your specialty from different food and nutrition fields such as Clinical Health (clinical patient care), Child / Adolescents, Public Health, Food Processing, etc.Post Graduate Diploma: Postgraduate diplomas typically last one year and are highly comprehensive. These courses offered by Allied HealthCare Academy will introduce you to the fundamentals of nutrition, public nutrition, clinical nutrition, nutrition for public health, and institutional food management. If you're only looking for a Certified nutritionist license, a certified course from Allied HealthCare Academy is enough.