Joan Haliburn
University of Sydney, Australia
Title: Cumulative trauma, co-morbidity, diagnosis and treatment
Biography
Biography: Joan Haliburn
Abstract
Objective: To discuss cumulative trauma and co-morbidity in the context of diagnosis and effective treatment, particularly in adolescents. Method: Four adolescents who met more than one Axis 1 diagnosis along with Axis 11 diagnosis who received treatment inappropriately for 3 to 5 years, resulting in increased psychosocial morbidity. A case study of 1 adolescent, Jennifer is described. Results: Adolescents, like adults can have co-morbid disorders on both Axis 1 and 11 which interfere with diagnosis and response to treatment. Appropriate diagnosis led to appropriate treatment of Jennifer, improvement and return to school. Conclusions: Clinicians tend to underestimate the severity of adolescent mental health disturbance particularly when complexity of issues presents themselves. Instead a painstaking and thorough assessment of all facets of their presentation needs to be undertaken. This will result in better treatment results and lowered morbidity and better psychosocial functioning.