heeadsss_flashcards
What is the purpose of a HEEADSSS assessment?
To identify health risks and behaviours unique to young people (12-25 years) and support interventions that promote physical and mental health.
What topics are covered in a HEEADSSS assessment?
Home, Education and employment, Eating and exercise, Activities, hobbies, and peer relationships, Drugs and alcohol, Sexual activity, sexuality, and gender identity, Suicide, self-harm, depression, mood, and sleeping patterns, Safety.
What should be explained to the young person regarding confidentiality?
Explain that the conversation is confidential and that information will not be shared without permission, except if the young person is at risk of harm.
How should you introduce yourself and address the young person’s gender identity?
Introduce yourself and ask about the young person’s gender pronouns and preferred name to show respect and support.
What should you ask about the young person’s home life?
Who lives with you? Tell me about your family or the people who are important to you. Where do you live? Can you describe where you live, like your house or apartment? How would you describe your relationships with the people you live with?
What questions are relevant for exploring education and employment?
How would you describe your school? Do you feel safe there? Have you ever experienced bullying at school? Do you feel included and like you belong at school? How are your grades going?
What questions are relevant for exploring eating and exercise?
Do you ever feel stressed about your weight or how your body looks? Have you noticed any changes in your weight lately? Have you tried to change your eating habits or diet in the past year?
What should you ask about the young person’s activities, hobbies, and peer relationships?
What activities do you enjoy doing in your free time? How do you hang out with your friends and family? Do you spend a lot of time online? What do you like to do on the internet?
What questions are relevant for exploring drug and alcohol use?
Have you heard about friends who have tried smoking, vaping, drugs, or alcohol? Have you tried smoking, vaping, drugs, or alcohol? How often, how much, and who were you with?
What should you ask about the young person’s sexual activity, sexuality, and gender identity?
Have you ever felt attracted to someone or had romantic feelings for someone else? How would you describe your sexual orientation? Have you ever been in a relationship that included sexual activity?
What questions are relevant for exploring suicide, self-harm, depression, mood, and sleeping patterns?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your mood recently? Do you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious more often than usual? Have you been feeling sadder or down more often than usual?
What should you ask about the young person’s safety?
Have you ever had a serious injury? Do you make sure to always wear a seatbelt when you’re in a car? Have you ever met someone in person that you first met online? Have you ever sent a text message while driving?
How should you conclude the HEEADSSS assessment?
Summarize the key points discussed, validate the young person’s experiences, discuss potential next steps, and ensure the young person understands and consents to any referrals or actions.
