Clinical Assessment

Mr. and Mrs. Lawson brought their 4-year-old adopted daughter, Clara, to see Dr. Mason, a psychiatrist. Clara was polite in greeting Dr. Mason, but did not smile and kept her gaze down as she took a seat. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson sat next to Clara and began explaining their concerns. They described Clara as a quiet child who has recently begun throwing temper tantrums, during which she is inconsolable. Her sleep and eating patterns have changed, and she no longer wants to go to preschool.

What other information would you like to learn during the interview with the family? What questions would you ask?

Based on the information Clara’s adoptive parents provided, I would need further information as to what may have happened prior to her behavior changing.

I would need to ask the following questions:

1. What was Clara’s age at the time of adoption? And why was she adopted?

2. Did Clara spend time in foster homes before becoming adopted and if so for how long?

3. How long had Clara been with the Lawson’s before her behavior changed?

4. Does Clara know why she was adopted or that she is not with her biological parents?

5. Does she have siblings that she may have been separated from?

6. Did Clara appear to be happy that she was going to a new home?

7. Had she been to school previous to her adoption? If so how was she handling school prior to the change in her behavior? Was it easy for her to adjust and make new friends?

8. How has her eating and sleeping habits changed exactly? Is she eating and sleeping more or less?

9. It was mentioned that she was a quiet child. Were they concerned about how quiet she was or did it seem normal as if she were shy?

10. Did the adoption agency give any vital information? Maybe any triggers that might set her off?

11. Are there any other children in the home? If so how old, how many and are they biological children or adopted as well?

12. Has there been any other change in the household that may have affected Clara such...