General Psychiatric AssessmentThere are numerous challenges in performing psychiatric examinations in general medical settings. They include privacy concerns assessment, ward rounds, and visits by other specialties, secure time for meals and visits from family members.
It can also be difficult to determine the outcome in this setting, with particular difficulties for outcomes specific to diseases and satisfaction of patients and referrers ratings.
Medical History
The first step in a general psychiatric assessment is to understand the patient's medical history. This will include information about the patient's current health as well as any medications they are taking and any significant past medical problems that could affect their current health and well-being. This information can help the physician determine which psychological tests are appropriate and how many visits may be needed before making diagnosis.
This is often a challenge to complete on medical wards due to the limited space available and interruptions from visits to the ward, assessments by other specialties, allied health specialists, protected mealtimes and planned visits. It is important to schedule an appointment time that is not in conflict with any of these activities, and locate a quiet place for the assessment to be conducted. It is also useful to inquire from the referrer what their concerns are so that you can identify precisely what type of psychiatric evaluation is required.
When performing psychiatric assessments on medical wards of general hospitals it is important to keep in mind that physical health issues patients present with may affect or even obscure their psychiatric symptoms and behaviour. Diagnostic overshadowing is a very common issue and is very difficult to avoid. If a patient is admitted with delirium but has a diagnosis of dementia in their medical records, it can be tempting to 'overshadow the delirium', assuming that it is the result of their mental illness. This is rather than conducting a thorough screening for delirium to rule out treatmentable causes like stroke.
It is crucial that the psychiatrist who is assessing the patient tries to establish a connection between the psychiatric and physical concerns of the patient and to get complaints or concerns from the patient regarding their treatment, their treatment or how their condition is being managed. Reference Osborn & Warner (1998) recommends an approach to achieve this. However, it could be difficult to implement in real life.
Family History
The psychiatrist will ask you about your family history in order to determine if there is a mental health issue in your family. They'll also inquire about any past traumas or experienced, as well as your current status in the social world (including your work, relationships and if you receive assistance from your home). You might be asked about your religion and your dreams and goals. The psychiatrist will then make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan to fit your requirements.
The psychiatrist should also examine physical symptoms. They will examine their blood pressure, listen and feel the heart and lungs and examine for any other medical conditions which could cause the psychiatric symptoms.
It is often beneficial for the psychiatrist to obtain an all-encompassing physical from the general practitioner however, it's not always possible particularly for those who are extremely sick or inpatients on psychiatric hospitals. Patients on these wards might only have very infrequent face-to-face contact with psychiatrists, or none at all. In these cases, it is crucial that psychiatric nurses and care coordinators play an active role in ensuring that patients' physical health needs are met.
Psychiatrists should also be able to understand why a patient has been referred and what they hope to achieve through their psychiatric evaluation. They should be able to interpret medical letters, review reports of tests and communicate effectively with a person's medical team to determine the best treatment or medication for the patient.
The medical history is a crucial component of any
psychiatric assessment. It should contain information about the patient's diagnosis of psychiatric disorders and treatment history as well as any alcohol and drug usage. If possible, it is important to obtain an entire family history to assess the risk of certain disorders like bipolar disorder. Screens to collect life-long psychiatric information on informants and first-degree relatives can be useful however, there is a value in obtaining a full family history of psychiatric disorders as well.
Signs and symptoms
During the psychiatric assessment the doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they've affected your life. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history and any other issues that may be relevant. It can feel intrusive at times, but you must provide a complete and honest answer to ensure a precise diagnosis.
It is important to have an evaluation of your psychiatric condition when you are suffering from mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. This will tell you if you need treatment. While it is normal to have periods of stress or low mood at times, if these 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 as well as any other issues that are impacting you, like family or work issues, or substance abuse. They will also inquire about your physical health, sleeping habits, and whether or not you have tried other methods to help with your symptoms.
Your psychiatrist may also inquire about your previous experiences with mental illness. They can also use assessments that are standardised or psychological tests to help you understand your situation. These tests could include questionnaires, personality assessments or cognitive tests that assess the level of stress you are experiencing.
If your psychiatric assessment indicates that you are suffering from psychotic symptoms, like hallucinations and delusions which differ significantly from what is thought to be real, then the psychiatrist might need to perform an in-depth exam and then admit you to the hospital to be observed. You will need to undergo a second evaluation by an experienced
psychiatrist assessment near me before you are allowed to go home.
Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates will provide you with the support and care you require. The team of experienced and friendly professionals are committed to providing you with the necessary information regarding your diagnosis and treatment options. You can book a psychiatric examination online or over the phone today.
Psychological Tests
A significant aspect of a psychological examination is the use of various tests. Psychological tests are either written or verbal evaluations designed to measure unobserved elements. They are used to assess a person's emotional functioning and personality characteristics. They can also be used to determine the severity of a certain mental illness, for example, anxiety or depression. Psychological testing is usually done by a psychologist who is trained and requires the patient to follow specific instructions in order to get exact results.
Psychiatric assessments can vary in the amount and type of psychological tests they use according to the individual and their presenting symptoms. A general psychiatric evaluation may be short, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination, or extensive and long, such as a Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Neuropsychological tests can be used to determine if a patient has a concussion or brain injury.
All types of psychiatric examinations provide a snapshot into the patient's psychological and emotional functioning.