SYNOPSIS
The clinician's role in the diagnostic process, and more particularly, his functioning as a diagnostic instrument, is examined in the setting of the initial screening of psychologically disturbed children and adolescents. The clinician's functioning as an observer of patients as well as of himself is discussed. The screening method adopted distinguishes between gross and less serious psychiatric disorders. This distinction is defined, and four significant factors underlying the process are described. The method of screening is briefly outlined. Details of a clinical study of 112 children and adolescents assessed by this method are presented.