Lightning Learning: HEEADSSS Assessment
“HEEADSSS is a time-tested strategy for obtaining a Psychosocial Review of Systems (PROS) for adolescent patients with mental health concerns.”
Why?
HEEADSSS is a practical, time-tested strategy that can be used to obtain a Psychosocial Review of Systems (PROS) for adolescent patients who attend ED with self-harm/mental health concerns.
Home: who lives at home? What are the relationships like? Divorce?
Education: going to school? Stress of exams/grades? Friends? Bullying?
Eating: stress from eating habits, weight or body shape change?
Activities: any hobbies? Meet with friends? Time spent on internet/TV?
Drugs: do you, friends or family use tobacco, alcohol or drugs?
Sexuality: previous or current relationship? Sexual orientation?
Suicide: sad? Stressed? Previous or current thoughts? Medication? DSH?
Safety: aware of any risk-taking? Violence at home or school?
Why?
Adolescence is an important developmental phase that captures the transition from childhood to adulthood- the way an individual will cope with this will vary from child to child.
Psychological stress triggers are not easily identified or addressed using a strictly physiologic assessment.
Assessment of risk for every child presenting with self-harm & mental health concerns, including:
Self-harm and/or suicide
Depression
Hopelessness
Continuing suicidal intent
Further Reading
- Riverside charity: Referral for drugs, alcohol, smoking advice & support
- NICE Guidance: Self-harm in over 8s (Long-term Management)
- e-LFH: Adolescent Health (eLearning)
