"Are they mad or bad?" The Use and Value of Psychiatric Diagnosis in the "looked after", fostered or adopted population of children and adolescents
The range and type of psychopathology seen in the "in care" population of children can be very challenging both in terms of managing and understanding behaviour but also in terms of psychiatric diagnosis. The combination of pre-natal influences, early interpersonal trauma involving the primary caregiving relationship, disturbed and disrupted attachment relationships and other significant losses and adverse environmental effects produce a complex constellation of symptoms and a pervasive impact on development that is difficult to categorize. This can lead to complex and sometimes seemingly confusing treatment options and care and educational plans. At this conference we will be drawing together experts in this field to explore this complex arena and discuss the challenges of best practice when working with this population of children and adolescents.