Pediatric Symptom Checklist

Pediatric Symptom Checklist

The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) is a psychological screening tool designed to facilitate the recognition of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems in children. It is widely used by pediatricians and other healthcare professionals to identify children who may benefit from further evaluation and intervention.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist is to improve the identification of psychosocial problems in children. By providing a standardized method for assessing symptoms, the PSC helps in early detection and management of issues that could affect a child's development and well-being.

Structure

The PSC consists of a series of questions that parents or guardians answer about their child's behavior. The checklist includes items that cover a range of symptoms, such as:

• Attention problems
• Internalizing behaviors (e.g., anxiety, depression)
• Externalizing behaviors (e.g., aggression, hyperactivity)

Each item is scored, and the total score is used to determine whether further assessment is warranted.

Scoring

The scoring of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist is straightforward. Each item is rated on a scale, and the scores are summed to produce a total score. A score above a certain threshold suggests that the child may have significant psychosocial issues that require further evaluation.

Versions

There are several versions of the PSC, including:

• PSC-17: A shorter version with 17 items
• PSC-Y: A version designed for youth self-reporting

These versions allow for flexibility in different settings and for different age groups.

Use in Practice

The Pediatric Symptom Checklist is used in various settings, including:

• Pediatric primary care
• School health services
• Community health centers

Healthcare providers use the PSC to guide discussions with parents and to make referrals to mental health professionals when necessary.

Limitations

While the PSC is a valuable tool, it is not a diagnostic instrument. It is intended to be a first step in identifying children who may need further assessment. The results should be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional.

Related pages

• Child psychology
• Behavioral assessment
• Mental health screening

External links

• [Official website of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist](https://www.massgeneral.org/psychiatry/services/pediatric-symptom-checklist)