Child Adolescent Psychiatry Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
psychometric properties
The statistical characteristics of assessment instruments, including reliability, validity, and normative data.
AACAP
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the professional organization that sets practice parameters and gui...
AACAP Practice Parameters
Evidence-based clinical guidelines published by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for specific psy...
ADHD-C
Subtype of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder characterized by both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms...
ADHD-PI
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder predominantly inattentive presentation, characterized primarily by attention di...
ADOS-2
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition, a standardized assessment tool for diagnosing autism spectrum di...
ASEBA
Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment; standardized rating scales for evaluating behavioral and emotional pro...
attachment disorder
A condition where a child has difficulty forming healthy emotional bonds due to early trauma or disrupted caregiving rel...
behavioral activation
A therapeutic technique focused on increasing engagement in positive, goal-directed activities to improve mood and funct...
behavioral intervention plan
Structured plan that outlines specific strategies and supports to address challenging behaviors identified through funct...
CAFAS
Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale, a standardized tool measuring functional impairment across multiple li...
CALOCUS
A level of care assessment instrument used to determine appropriate mental health service intensity for youth.
CANS
Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths assessment tool used to evaluate treatment needs and monitor outcomes in youth...
CASII
A structured assessment tool used to determine appropriate level of care for youth mental health services.
CBCL
Standardized parent-report checklist assessing behavioral and emotional problems in children and adolescents.
CBITS
Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools, an evidence-based group therapy program for trauma-exposed stud...
CFTSI
A brief, early intervention for children and families experiencing acute traumatic stress reactions.
CGAS
Children's Global Assessment Scale, a numeric rating scale measuring overall functioning in children and adolescents.
collateral contact
Communication with individuals other than the patient to gather information for assessment or treatment planning.
collateral informant
A third party who provides information about a patient's functioning and symptoms, typically parents, teachers, or careg...
collateral information
Data gathered from sources other than the patient, such as family members, teachers, or previous treatment providers, to...
comorbidity
The simultaneous presence of two or more psychiatric disorders in the same individual.
conduct disorder
A repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societ...
CPST
Community-based mental health services providing rehabilitation and support for youth with serious mental health conditi...
crisis intervention
Immediate, short-term assistance provided to youth experiencing acute psychological distress or behavioral emergencies.