How Children Are Assessed for Mental Health With CGAS

How Children Are Assessed for Mental Health With CGAS Depression Childhood Depression Print How Children Are Assessed for Mental Health With the CGAS By Lauren DiMaria linkedin Lauren DiMaria is a member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates and childhood psychology expert. Learn about our editorial policy Lauren DiMaria Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Luc Beziat / Getty Images More in Depression Childhood Depression Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Types Suicide The Childrens Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) is a tool used to assess the global level of functioning and severity of mental illness in children and adolescents. The CGAS was adapted from the Global Assessment Scale (GAS), was then widely replaced by the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) has since dropped its recommendation for the GAF and replaced it with The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2 (WHODAS 2.0).?? The CGAS uses various scales that assess a childs psychological, social, and occupational functioning. The scoring on the scales ranges from positive mental health to severe psychopathology. Using a number system from 1 to 100, the CGAS assesses daily functioning and behaviors such as personal hygiene habits, sleep patterns, and risk for suicide. A lower score indicates more severe impairment in daily functioning. Mental Health and CGAS The CGAS is used to assess many common mental disorders in children and adolescents, including: Anxiety disordersBipolar disorderNeurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD)Disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders (conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder)Major depressive disorderObsessive-compulsive disorderSchizophrenia and related psychotic disordersStress-related disorders Depression (also referred to as major depressive disorder or clinical depression), for instance, can cause a child to have trouble functioning from day to day and may make them feel life isnt worth living. Since you cant just snap out of depression, it often requires long-term treatment that may involve medication, psychological counseling, or a combination of both.?? If a child with major depressive disorder is rated by the CGAS with a score of 40, indicating major impairment in several areas, appropriate depression treatment can increase a childs score to 75, which indicates only slight impairment in functioning. The CGAS is a useful tool for clinicians and researchers to assess a childs temporary state of being. But the CGAS and other psychological assessments should only be administered and scored by professionals trained to use them. Just knowing a childs score on the CGAS is not particularly useful for children and parents. Always ask your childs mental health provider to interpret the findings and what they mean for your child. How CGAS Works Doctors typically determine a childs CGAS score after talking to the child, interviewing the childs family or caregivers, and reviewing the childs medical records and police or court records detailing their behavioral history. After these steps, the doctor will assign a child a score, which is based on functioning at home, at school, and with peers within the past month. Scoring for the CGAS ranges from 1, in need of constant supervision, to 100, superior functioning. Within these categories, there is a 10-point range used to rate the child’s level of functioning.??   Basic CGAS Score Interpretations 0-10: Extremely impaired (24-hour care)11-20: Very severely impaired (considerable supervision is required for safety)21-30: Severe problems (unable to function in most areas)31-40: Serious problems (major impairment in several areas and unable to function in one area)41-50: Obvious problems (moderate problems in all areas or a severe problem in one area)51-60: Some noticeable problems (in more than one area)61-70: Some problems (in one area only)71-80: Doing all right (minor impairment)81-90: Doing well91-100: Doing very well How Doctors Use the CGAS Doctors use the CGAS to determine how much a childs mental illness is impacting daily functioning and how much help the child needs in everyday life. In turn, this can help the doctor make an informed decision about whether your child needs round-the-clock supervision, for example, or daily counseling to cope with their mental illness and live a quality life. Its important to note that CGAS scores can be subjectiveâ€"two doctors can give the same child different scoresâ€"and they are independent of a specific mental illness diagnosis.?? In fact, the CGAS has been criticized for its lack of reliability between different scorers. How to Know If Your Child Should Be Tested If your childs mental illness is interfering with their school, social, or family life, consider asking your mental healthcare professional about the CGAS. The consequences of mental illness can range from mild to severe and include relationship problems, academic decline, risky behavior, threats of suicide, substance misuse, or serious self-injury. This is yet another reason why its imperative to get your child properly assessed and treated for mental illness. The Consequences of Untreated Depression in Children A Word From Verywell If your child receives a low CGAS score, do your best to remain calm and remind yourself that having a mental health issue doesnt mean your child is weak or crazy. Instead, it means your child needs medical attention and supervision to get the level of care needed to better cope with symptoms and stay safe. Mental illness is tough on the entire family, so its also important to seek support for yourself so you can be best equipped to help your child.