Ask Me Anything: 10 Responses To Your Questions About General Psychiatric Assessment
General Psychiatric Assessment
There are numerous challenges in completing psychiatric evaluations in general medical settings. There are many issues to be faced such as privacy concerns and ward rounds, evaluations by other specialists, protected mealtimes and scheduled visits to the family.
In this regard, it can be difficult to determine the impact of outcomes, especially when it comes to disease-specific outcomes.
Medical History
The first step in a general psychiatric evaluation is to determine the patient's medical background. This will include information regarding the patient's present condition, any medications they are taking, as well as any significant previous medical problems that could have impacted their health and well-being. This information can help the professional decide what psychological tests would be appropriate and the number of appointments they may need to make before making an assessment.
This process can be difficult to complete in medical wards because of the limited space and interruptions from ward rounds, assessments from other specialties or allied health professionals as well as scheduled meal times. It is worth trying to schedule an appointment time that does not clash with any of these activities and find somewhere quiet for the assessment to be conducted. It is also helpful to inquire from the referrer what their particular concerns are, so that you can determine exactly what kind of psychiatric assessment is required.
It is crucial to remember that physical health issues may influence or even obscure symptoms of psychiatric illness. Diagnostic overshadowing is a very common problem and is difficult to avoid. For instance, if a patient has been admitted to a delirium hospital and they have a prior diagnosis of dementia in their medical record then it is tempting to "shadow" the delirium by assuming that it is caused by an existing mental illness instead of conduct a complete screening for delirium to rule out treatment-able causes such as stroke.
It is essential that the psychiatrist taking a look at the patient is trying to establish the relationship between the patient's physical and psychiatric issues, and also to identify any concerns or complaints that the patient has about their treatment, care or the way their health condition is being managed. The basic model recommended in the reference Osborn and Warner (1998) is an easy method to achieve this, however it can be a challenge to implement this in practice.
Family History
The psychiatrist will ask you about your family history to determine if there's a mental health issue within your family. They'll also want to be aware of any past incidents of abuse or trauma you've experienced and your current social circumstances (including work, relationships and whether you have a support system at home). You may be asked about your religious beliefs, your dreams and ambitions. The psychiatrist will then formulate a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that will fit your needs.
The psychiatrist should also look at physical symptoms. They will check the patient's blood pressure, listen to the heart and lungs and look for any other medical issues that could be causing or aggravate the symptoms of psychiatric illness.
It is important for psychiatrists to get an exhaustive physical from the patient's GP However, this might not be possible, particularly with patients who are extremely sick or are inpatients in psychiatric units. Patients with these conditions may have very little or no face-to-face contact with psychiatrists. In these situations, it is vital that the psychiatric staff or care coordinators play a active role in ensuring that the physical health requirements of patients are fulfilled.
Psychiatrists should also be able to understand why a patient is being referred to them and what they hope to accomplish with their psychiatric evaluation. They must be able to read medical letters, review reports of tests and communicate effectively with a person's medical team to coordinate any medication or treatment.
The medical history is an essential element of any psychiatric assessment and must include the patient's own mental health diagnosis and previous treatment and also information regarding their alcohol and drug use. If possible, it is important to collect an entire family history to assess the likelihood of developing certain disorders such as bipolar disorder. It is helpful to make use of screens that record the lifetime psychiatric information of informants and their first-degree relatives but it is equally crucial to have a complete family psychiatric record.
Signs and symptoms
During the psychiatric evaluation the doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. Your psychiatrist will also ask you about your family history, as well as any other issues that could be relevant. The interview can feel invasive at times, but it is essential that you answer honestly and fully to ensure that a correct diagnosis can be given.
If you're experiencing mental health issues like anxiety or depression it is essential to undergo a psychiatric assessment to see whether or not you require treatment. While it is normal to experience periods of low mood or stress at times but if the symptoms last more than a few weeks and affect your daily activities, it is likely that you require treatment.
Your psychiatrist will inquire about your symptoms and any other issues impacting you, like work or family problems or addiction issues. They will also inquire about your physical health, sleep habits, and whether you've tried other approaches to manage your symptoms.
Your psychiatrist may also ask you about your previous experiences with mental illness. They could also employ assessments that are standardised or psychological tests to help you understand your situation. These tests could include questionnaires, personality assessments or cognitive tests that measure your level of distress.
If your psychiatric examination shows that you have psychotic symptoms, like hallucinations or delusions that are a significant departure from what is believed to be real, then the psychiatrist may need to conduct an extensive exam and send you to the hospital to be observed. You will be required to be evaluated again by a psychiatrist before being allowed to go home.
Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates will provide you with the support and care you require. The team of caring and knowledgeable professionals is dedicated to providing you with the information you need about the diagnosis you have received and possible treatment options. You can schedule a psychiatric assessment via the internet or by calling today.
Psychological tests
The use of various tests is an essential part of a psycho-psychological examination. Psychological tests are either written or verbal assessments designed to measure non-observed aspects. They are used to evaluate the person's emotional health and personality traits. They can be used to determine a person's mental health condition's severity, such as depression or anxiety. Psychological testing is usually done by a psychologist who is trained and requires the patient to follow certain instructions to obtain exact results.
The psychiatric assessment can vary in the number and type of psychological tests they use dependent on the person's condition and symptoms. A general psychiatric evaluation can be brief, like the Mini-Mental State Examination, or extended and thorough, like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Neuropsychological testing can be used to determine if there is an injury to the brain or concussion.
All types of psychiatric examinations provide a snapshot into the patient's psychological and emotional functioning. In the hospital doctors, psychologists, and sometimes psychiatrists conduct these tests to evaluate the patient's mood emotional reactivity, cognitive abilities. They are also conducted by private therapists in their offices to gather data for a treatment plan and to determine if a patient may benefit from medication or other forms of therapy.
Intelligence & Achievement Tests are an example of psychological assessments. These tests test cognitive functioning (often referred as IQ) in comparison to a normated group. Other tests are designed to assess the ability to complete tasks, like a word association test or a memory test. Psychologists are the only experts with extensive training and experience in administering and interpreting psychological tests.
A psychiatric exam is designed to connect the patient with a medical professional that can provide treatment and management. The doctor will explain the diagnosis to the patient and how it relates with the symptoms. The doctor will also discuss the prognosis. This is how a particular diagnosis is expected to change over time.