General Psychiatric Assessment
There are a variety of challenges when conducting psychiatric assessments in general medical settings. There are numerous challenges, including privacy issues as well as ward rounds, examinations by other specialists, secured mealtimes, and scheduled family visits.
In this regard it can be a challenge to measure outcomes, especially when it comes to disease-specific outcomes.
Medical Histories
The first step in a comprehensive psychiatric examination is to learn about the patient's medical history. This includes information about the patient's current health and any medications they're taking and any major past medical problems that could have impacted their health and well-being. This information can aid the doctor in determining what psychological tests might be suitable and how many appointments they will require before determining a diagnosis.
This step can be difficult to complete on medical wards due to the small space and interruptions caused by the ward's rounds, examinations from other specialties or allied health professionals as well as scheduled meal times. It is worthwhile to find a time that doesn't clash with the other activities listed above and find somewhere quiet for the assessment to be conducted. Asking the referrer about their particular concerns will help you determine which assessment is required for psychiatric disorders.
It is essential to be aware that physical health issues can influence or even shadow psychiatric symptoms. This is a problem that is referred to as diagnostic overshadowing and can be very difficult to avoid. If a patient is admitted with delirium but has an indication of dementia in their medical records, it can be tempting to "shadow" the delirium', assuming that it is due to their mental illness. This is not as effective as conducting a thorough screening for delirium to rule out treatmentable causes such as stroke.
It is crucial that the psychiatrist conducting the assessment of the patient seeks to establish the relationship between the patient's physical and mental issues and to inquire about any concerns or complaints the patient may have about their treatment, care or the treatment they receive or the way their health issue is being managed. The basic model suggested in Reference Osborn and Warner (1998) is a simple schema for achieving this, but it can be a challenge to implement it in real life.
Family History
The psychiatrist will inquire about your family history in order to determine if there's a mental health issue within your family. They will also ask about any past traumas or experienced, as well as your current status in the social world (including your work, relationships and whether you have the support of your family). You might be asked questions about your beliefs in religion and about your ambitions and dreams. The psychiatrist will then formulate an assessment and formulate a treatment plan that will fit your requirements.
Physical symptoms are also important and it is essential that the psychiatrist examine these too. They will test the patient's blood pressure and listen to the heart and lungs and look for any other medical issues which could be causing or exacerbating the psychiatric symptoms.
It is often helpful for the psychiatrist to obtain a full physical from the general practitioner of the patient however, this isn't always possible especially for patients who are very ill and those who are inpatients on psychiatric wards. Patients with these conditions may have very little or no interactions with psychiatrists. In these situations, it is vital that psychiatric nursing staff or care coordinators take an active role in ensuring that the physical health needs of patients are met.
Psychiatrists should also be able to understand why a patient has been referred and what they expect to achieve through their psychiatric evaluation. They need to be competent in interpreting medical letters and investigate reports of tests received from a GP or other health professional. They must communicate effectively with the medical team that is treating the patient to determine the tests conducted so that any medications or other treatments can be coordinated.
The medical history is a key component of any psychiatric evaluation, and this must include the patient's mental health diagnosis and previous treatment, as well as information regarding their drug and alcohol use. If possible, it is important to collect an entire family history to assess the risk of certain disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Screens that are brief to gather lifetime information about psychiatric conditions on informants as well as first-degree relatives are helpful but there is merit in having a complete family history of psychiatric issues as well.
Symptoms
In the course of a psychiatric assessment the doctor will ask you about symptoms and how they impact your life. Your psychiatrist will also ask you about your family history and other issues that may be relevant. It can feel intrusive at times, but it is important to answer honestly and completely to ensure that you receive a correct diagnosis.
If you are experiencing mental health issues like anxiety or depression it is essential to undergo a psychiatric assessment to determine whether or not you require website treatment. While it is normal to have periods of low mood or stress at times however, if these symptoms last for more than several weeks and impact your daily life It is likely that you require treatment.
In addition to discussing your symptoms, your psychiatrist will also ask about any other issues that may be affecting you, including family and work 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 inquire about your experiences with mental illness. They could also employ standard assessment tools, or psychological tests, to get a better understanding of your current situation. These tests could include personality tests, questionnaires or cognitive tests that measure the level of stress you are experiencing.
If the psychiatric examination indicates that you are suffering from psychotic symptoms, which are manifested by hallucinations or delusions that are a significant departure from reality as a consensual entity The psychiatrist will have to perform a more in-depth examination and may be required to take you to the hospital for observation. In these cases you'll need to be examined by a different psychiatrist before returning home.
Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates will provide you with the assistance and care you need. The team of skilled and friendly professionals are committed to providing you with the necessary information regarding your diagnosis and treatment options. You can book your psychiatric examination via the internet or call us now.
Psychological Tests
The use of various tests is an essential part of a psycho-psychological assessment. Psychological tests are either written or verbal assessments designed to measure non-observed aspects. They are often used to determine the personality of a person and their emotional functioning. They can be used to determine a mental health condition's severity, such as anxiety or depression. Psychological testing is typically conducted by a psychologist who is trained and requires the patient to follow certain guidelines to get exact results.
Psychological assessments can differ in terms of the type and quantity of psychological tests they use according to the individual and their presenting symptoms. A general psychiatric examination could be brief, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MSE), or more in-depth and time-consuming, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Neuropsychological tests that are in-depth can be used to determine the presence of concussion, brain injury, or other neurological conditions.
All types of psychiatric assessments offer a glimpse of the patient's emotional and psychological functioning. In hospitals doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists may conduct these assessments to determine the patient's mood emotional reactivity, cognitive capabilities. Private therapists can also conduct these tests in their offices to gather information for a treatment plan, and to determine whether a patient would benefit from medication or another method of therapy.
Intelligence & Achievement Tests are an example of psychological evaluations. These tests measure cognitive performance (often known as IQ) in comparison to a normated group. Other tests are designed to evaluate the ability to perform tasks, for example, a word association test or a memory test. Psychologists are the only experts with extensive training and expertise to administer and interpret psychological tests.
The purpose of a psychiatric examination is to pair the patient with a physician who can offer treatment and management. The doctor will explain the diagnosis to the patient, and how it relates with their symptoms. The doctor will also speak about the prognosis. This is how a diagnosis is expected to progress in time.