Ethical Considerations
Discuss ethical considerations and equality in the pediatric population.
Instructions:
- Research ethics and equality in the pediatric psychiatric population using scholarly articles.
- Choose a pediatric psychiatric diagnosis and discuss the following topics in your discussion
- Discuss the specific diagnosis.
- Discuss symptoms/ screening tools/treatment options.
- Discuss ethical standards to consider when treating a patient with this diagnosis.
- Discuss equality standards to consider in the treatment of this disorder.
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Step-by-Step Guide for Completing the Assignment
Step 1: Select a Pediatric Psychiatric Diagnosis
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Choose a diagnosis that is relevant and has sufficient scholarly literature. Examples:
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in children
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Anxiety Disorders (e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder)
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with comorbid psychiatric concerns
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Include a brief introduction to the diagnosis, prevalence, and why it is important in pediatric psychiatry.
Step 2: Discuss Symptoms, Screening Tools, and Treatment Options
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Describe key symptoms associated with the disorder.
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Identify validated screening or assessment tools used for pediatric populations (e.g., CBCL, Conners Rating Scales, Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale).
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Outline treatment options, including:
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Pharmacologic interventions (with ethical considerations for age and developmental stage)
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Psychotherapeutic interventions (CBT, family therapy, play therapy)
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Multi-disciplinary approaches (collaboration with schools, caregivers, and social services)
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Step 3: Discuss Ethical Standards in Treatment
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Address ethical principles relevant to pediatric psychiatry:
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Autonomy and assent: Engaging children in understanding their care as appropriate for age
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Beneficence and non-maleficence: Ensuring treatments provide benefit and minimize harm
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Confidentiality and privacy: Managing sensitive information with caregivers and institutions
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Informed consent: Ethical involvement of parents/guardians in treatment decisions
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Include references to professional standards (e.g., American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry [AACAP], American Psychological Association [APA]).
Step 4: Discuss Equality Standards in Treatment
Step 5: Conclusion
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Summarize the importance of ethical and equality considerations in pediatric psychiatric care.
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Reinforce the need for professional standards to guide equitable, effective, and ethical treatment.
Step 6: APA Formatting Guidelines
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Use 12-point Times New Roman, double spacing, one-inch margins.
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Include in-text citations for all sources.
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Include a References page in APA 7th edition.
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Include at least 3β5 scholarly sources (peer-reviewed articles, professional guidelines, or reputable organizational standards).
π Recommended Research Sources
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American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Practice Parameters.
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Beidas, R. S., & Kendall, P. C. (2010). Training therapists in evidence-based practice: A critical review of studies from a systems-contextual perspective. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 17(1), 1β30.
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Garland, A. F., et al. (2016). Evidence-based treatments in pediatric mental health: Ethical and practical considerations. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 45(5), 643β659.
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SHapiro Library β search for peer-reviewed articles on ethics, equity, and pediatric mental health treatment.