Assessment and Treatment of Mood Disorders in Child and Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Settings

Youth with mood disorders have a high rate of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization (IPH) due to the nature of the disorder and resulting impairments. These symptoms and associated impairment can impact both the patient and the family, and require treatment engagement by both the patient and their caregivers. Treatment for youth with mood disorders during IPH includes interventions similar to outpatient settings, which are implemented in a more intensive manner with a focus on symptom stabilization. This chapter will review stabilization and treatment interventions focusing on psychosocial interventions, family involvement, and medication management. Additionally, considerations for safety and discharge planning will be reviewed.