History taking

HEADSS

Home, Education/Employment, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide/depression

A framework for taking a psychosocial history from an adolescent, ordered from the least to the most sensitive topics.

What each letter stands for

1. 1 Home
2. 2 Education and employment
3. 3 Activities
4. 4 Drugs
5. 5 Sexuality
6. 6 Suicide and depression

How it gets tested

Tested as a recall item and as a communication item — the ordering from safe topics to sensitive ones is the point.

Quick check: HEADSS

One question. Pick an answer to see the explanation.

What does HEADSS stand for?

A Signs and symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, Events leading upB Home, Education/Employment, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide/depressionC suicidal ideationD Onset, Location, Duration, Characteristics, Aggravating factors, Relieving factors, Treatment, Severity

Related terms

SAMPLESIOLD CARTS

Back to the full abbreviation list

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