Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

(For those interested in a research-oriented elective, please directly contact the department.) Location(s): Koç University Hospital KUH Child and Adolescent Psychiatry MELC50X is a clinically and academically structured rotation that provides students with practical exposure to both outpatient psychiatric services and research activities. The elective aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of psychiatric evaluation, diagnostic formulation, and therapeutic planning in children and adolescents presenting with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Students will be involved in outpatient assessments, consultation-liaison work, and multidisciplinary case discussions. Observational opportunities will be provided for psychotherapeutic sessions and both psychiatric and psychological assessments, supplemented by theoretical background discussions. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Herdem Aslan Genç, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Zeynep Seda Albayrak, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Romina Markaroğlu Elvan, Clinical Psychologist Aslıhan Özcan Morey, Child Life and Mental Health Expert & Clinical Psychologist Outpatient Unit: Students will observe and assist in structured psychiatric evaluations involving both children/adolescents and their caregivers. Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Students will contribute to the assessment of inpatients referred for psychiatric evaluation, under supervision. Child Life Program: Students may participate in therapeutic and developmental activities under the guidance of the Child Life and Mental Health Division. Psychological Assessment Sessions: Students may observe developmental and cognitive evaluations, such as the GEÇDA and WISC-IV, and will receive theoretical instruction on these tools. Psychotherapy Observations: Structured cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions and other psychotherapeutic modalities will be available for observation, subject to patient consent and team availability. Psychopharmacology: Students will review commonly used medications in child psychiatry using the NbN C&A (including NbN 3) application and the most recent edition of Stahl’s Prescriber’s Guide for Children and Adolescents (Second Revised Edition, 2024). Research Involvement: Students will participate in ongoing research activities held on Tuesday afternoons and Fridays. Activities may include attending team meetings, literature reviews, and exposure to data collection and basic analytic approaches. Students are not expected to wear white coats during clinical evaluations to maintain a child-friendly atmosphere. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times. Observers should not enter or exit the mirror room during active evaluations. Personal electronic device use (e.g., phones, tablets) is discouraged during patient interactions and team observations. Professional behavior and respectful communication are expected in all interactions with staff, patients, and caregivers. Students should act as role models for children in the clinical environment, contributing to a safe and organized setting. By the end of the elective, students will: Understand the structure and function of a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient service Conduct developmentally appropriate psychiatric interviews and mental status examinations Apply DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic criteria to common psychiatric conditions in youth Gain foundational knowledge of psychopharmacological treatment and psychotherapeutic approaches Participate in clinically relevant academic discussions and introductory research activities Diagnostic reasoning using structured criteria Team-based interdisciplinary collaboration Effective communication with patients and families Observation of psychological and psychotherapeutic interventions Students will receive continuous formative feedback throughout the rotation. A final summary of strengths and areas for growth will be provided based on clinical engagement, communication, professionalism, and teamwork. Stahl’s Prescriber’s Guide for Children and Adolescents, Second Revised Edition (2024), Cambridge University Press: https://www.cambridge.org/9781108446563 The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), American Psychiatric Association: https://www.appi.org/Products/DSM/DSM-5 International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11), World Health Organization: https://icd.who.int/ IACAPAP Textbook of Child and Adolescent Mental Health: http://iacapap.org/iacapaptextbook-of-child-and-adolescent-mental-health Psychiatric Interview of Children and Adolescents, Dr. Claudio Cepeda, Cambridge University Press: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/psychiatric-interview-of-childrenand-adolescents/5D3CA083FABDA450F7F3C01E4F24401A