A Practice Patterns of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists in South Korea

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the career paths and practice patterns of child and adolescent psychiatrists in South Korea. METHODS: A survey on demographic data, work environment, opinion on fellowship training program, and current practice patterns was conducted in 76/223 (34.0%) of all child and adolescent psychiatrists (N=223) were from 1980 to 2008. The survey data from the responders were analyzed. RESULTS: More than half of those surveyed were women. The mean age of survey participants was 40.8 years; most were married, and lived in the Seoul National Capital Area. In general, the responders were very satisfied with their work. They worked in private practice, public sector, group practice, and as consultants. Up to 87% of the patients treated were children and adolescents. The most common treatment modalities were medication and parent psychoeducation. Social skills training and play therapy were applied mainly for children aged 4 to 12 years old. Cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling were preferred in adolescents. CONCLUSION: The current study used a database approach in order to define current practice patterns. These data may be helpful in consideration of future training programs, workforce issues in child and adolescent psychiatry in South Korea, and also in collaboration with other mental health providers.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescents and Adults / 신경정신의학

It seems best to view ADHD as a developmental disability that comprises impairments in persistence of effort(sustained attention), the ability to delay responding and inhibit behavior(impusivity), and the regulation of excessive activity level or responding in situations(hyperactivity). These problems tend to arise early in childhood, often during the preschool years, and persist in over half the cases into adulthood as adult ADHD. ADHD in adolescents and adults responds to treatment with stimulants, tricyclic antidepressants, etc. Nonpharmacologic modalities such as behavior modification, individual and family therapy and cognitive therapy are useful adjuncts to psychopharmacologic management. Without effective treatment, ADHD often results in increased risk of trauma, substance abuse, conduct disorder, marital dishamony, family dysfunction, divorce, and incarceration in adolesence and adulthood. Lifelong treatment with proper medication and counselling are important to ADHD.

A follow-up study of inpatients by the telephone interview / 신경정신의학

No abstract available.