The case formulation in child and adolescent psychiatry

Abstract

This article reviews the various definitions of case formulation, differences between diagnosis and case formulation, how case formulation for the child patient differs from the adult patient, and case formulation in the context of residency training, including challenges for residents transitioning from adult psychiatry. It presents a suggested structure for constructing a biopsychosocial formulation that can be applied in a training setting. Several specialized types of psychotherapy formulation are reviewed in more detail. The article concludes with a case example of a child psychiatry resident's case formulation before and after discussion in supervision.