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This table shows the main sources of our referrals. It will be seen that the
majority of our referrals come from the School Health Service and the School
Psychological Service, either directly or indirectly. Other medical referrals form
the next largest group, as many coming from other Hospitals and Clinics as have
come from General Prattitioners. In line with most other Child Guidance Clinics
and the Underwood Committee recommendations, we accept direct referrals from
parents although we in all cases request permission to contact the General
Practitioners. This is rarely refused.
Diagnostic Categories
The largest number are classified as anti-social conduct disorders, neurotic
illnesses and the primary behaviour disorders of childhood. There is a small but
significant number of children with depressive illnesses, with psychotic illnesses
of the schizophrenic type and autism. We have seen a small number of children with
psychosomatic illnesses and we are increasingly recognising children with brain
damage and brain dysfunction. Much emotional and behavioural disturbance in
childhood is however multi-factorial in origin.
Treatment
Drug Therapies
We make use of drug therapies to alter mood and aggressive behaviour
in particular, to sedate and tranquillise anxious and hyper-active children;
in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis, and in psychosis.
Environmental Manipulation
Environmental manipulation involving casework with parents and counselling
of teachers; placement in a special environment.
Psychotherapy
Various forms of psychotherapy are the mainstay of our therapeutic armamentarium
but our psychotherapeutic sources are extremely limited. All the
professional staff at the Clinic are involved in psychotherapeutic work with
children, parents and whole family groups. We recognise however that even if
our staff were to be doubled in size we would not be able to meet the therapeutic
needs of the community and in common with other Child Guidance Clincs are
exploring newer methods of treatment and prevention.
Crisis Consultation
We are particularly interested in developing a Crisis Consultation Service
as we feel there is a real opportunity to help families at the point of crisis
and thus possibly prevent some of the pathological long term effects known to
ensue from inadequately worked-through situations of overwhelming grief, or
anxiety, such as in bereavement or traumatic events. We give priority to young
children referred to us, to children with school refusal and children with
behaviour disorders following the death of a parent, in order to try to offer crisis
therapy where appropriate.
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