A Full Psychiatric Assessment
A psychiatric examination is the first step in getting proper mental health care. The psychiatrist will ask you lots of questions about your work and private life, sources of stress, any significant traumas you've endured, and whether you've had alcohol or drug problems.
Background and History
A full psychiatric assessment, or psych eval, is typically a multi-disciplinary process in hospital settings that includes psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers. The psychiatrist is the one who takes a detailed medical record and performs a mental examination. This information can be gathered through direct observation, the person being examined and their family members and through specific psychological tests.
The doctor will inquire about the patient's health issues and what the patient has done in the past few months, weeks, and years. They will also ask questions about family and personal health. This information will allow the doctor to determine what is the cause of the symptoms, and if they are due to a different issue.
During this phase the psychiatrist will inquire about your medical history to determine if there's any family history of anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders. They will also inquire if there are any physical problems, such as heart disease or diabetes and what medications the person is taking or was prescribed.
Additionally, the psychiatrist will take note of the current symptoms and how long they've been experiencing them for. They will also ask the patient about their daily routine including their work and home life. They will also discuss the individual's previous treatment as well as the degree of adherence to it. Carers and family members often share information the patient hasn't told them. This is done out of respect for confidentiality and does not violate their right to privacy.
Based on the severity of the symptoms, a range of other tests and evaluations may be required. These could include laboratory tests, blood pressure readings or electroencephalography (EEG), which measures brain activity. It is also possible to use IQ tests, which assess the ability to think. These can test spatial skills memory, concentration, memory, and communication skills.
It is important that all psychiatric assessments are carried out by qualified and experienced professionals. This will ensure the diagnosis is correct and that the person receives a treatment plan that best suits their needs.
Mental Status Test
The mental state examination (MSE) can be a painful experience for the physician as well as the patient. It is a "snapshot" of the patient in a specific moment, and is useful for describing the patient's behaviours and thoughts at the time. The MSE can also be useful in demonstrating the way a patient's mind changes over time. For instance, it can show the transition from depression to manic episode.
The MSE begins when the physician begins to make the first observations about the patient. This is typically performed during the process of taking the history. The how a patient interacts and behaves in front of the examiner can reveal something about the root of the mental disorder. This can be the case with the sloppy appearance of a depressed person or the provocative style of a manic patient. It can also indicate an absence of motivation or effort such as in a depressed individual or an agitated person taking antipsychotic medication.
If a psychiatric exam is conducted it is best when the patient is at ease and cooperative. Both the examiner and patient might be uncomfortable during the interview. It is essential to make the right impression. The MSE is a brief portion of the overall intake evaluation, and the results should be carefully evaluated in conjunction with findings from other sources like laboratory tests or imaging studies.
The MSE is not as structured as the physical exam and most of the information is gathered by the doctor during the process of taking a history. Nevertheless, a detailed MSE should include descriptions of the general appearance and behavior, alertness and attention in speech and motor activities mood and affect, thought and perception as well as attitude and understanding. It should also include an evaluation of higher cognitive abilities like parietal-lobe abilities (pictorial representation as well as right-left discrimination and localization of objects in space).
It is essential that the MSE be viewed in the context of a thorough intake evaluation, and that physicians interpret results with care and sensitivity. A thorough MSE can reveal a broad variety of abnormalities, including some that are specific to psychiatric disorders, however, it should be considered as a singular data point in the overall history of the patient and is of little clinical significance on its own.
Assessment of Thought Content
The thought content section is the largest of the MSE sections and should contain information on delusional thinking (thoughts that are not true) - such as jealous, persecutory, or grandiose ideas; hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that others don't); preoccupations (such as anxieties, fears or fears); and suicidal thoughts. These questions should be addressed directly. The severity and the extent of the pathological thinking should be described. Also whether or not they are in sync with the mood (e.g. A depressed patient might hear voices that are angry, and may urge to commit suicide, versus peaceful and soothing hallucinations.
The thought process is the logic, relevance and coherence of the client's responses MSE interviewer's questions. The doctor will also be able to determine if the thought process is unorganized or goal-oriented, and the frequency with which it moves from one topic to the next without a clear connection. Disorganized, tangential and circumstantial associations are thought processes that could be indicators of mental health issues such as mania, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Additionally, psychologists and neuropsychologists assess the ability of the client to pay on a single subject and then hold it in their memory. This can be determined through observer observations, self-report, or short tests such as counting backwards from 100 by 7s. They also can assess the client's coping mechanisms and cognitive functioning that is measured through direct questions and behavioral observations.
During the MSE psychological evaluation, psychologists look at the client's facial expressions and body language to assess whether they appear to be withdrawn or aggressive. They also examine the client's restlessness and fidgeting to determine if they are fearful or anxious. Psychologists utilize the MSE along with other tests and assessments to identify and formulate a treatment program. Psychologists are also trained to recognize the signs that a client's behavior may be consistent with a particular mental illness or is due to another cause like substance abuse, an injury or medication side effects. This information is crucial in determining the best treatment and follow-up care.
Assessment of Mood and Anxiety
Everyone experiences tough times, but when those difficulties start to interfere with relationships, daily tasks and even the ability to sleep, it might be time to schedule a mental health evaluation. Also known as a psych eval or mental health examination, this type of exam is typically performed by a psychiatrist or a doctor. It can be difficult, and you'll more info be required to provide lots of personal information. However, it's important to understand that your psychiatrist is trying to get all the information they need so that they can provide a correct diagnosis and suggest the best treatment for you.
A psychiatric evaluation will include an examination of your prior medical history and physical examination. This is to ensure that your symptoms aren't caused by a physical problem such as a thyroid disorder or an illness of the nervous system.
Your psychiatrist will also ask about any previous psychiatric or medical conditions and whether you are currently taking any medication. If a patient is unable to provide a history because of their mental condition, it is essential that their family and caregivers can answer the questions. This isn't a breach of confidentiality and it allows the doctor to obtain more information than he could during a face-toface conversation.
In the psychiatric consultation, the physician will assess the patient's emotional state by observing their tone of voice and body language. They'll also evaluate their thoughts to determine if they're focused and related. The doctor will also examine for instance, how well the patient is able to focus and switch between thoughts during the interview. This is a vital piece to the evaluation as a manic or psychotic patient may not be able to think clearly and quickly shift their focus of thought.
A psychiatric examination is often the first step in getting the treatment you require. It is essential that anyone who believes that they suffer from symptoms of mental illness seeks an evaluation. Don't let your fear or anxiety keep you from seeking assistance because it could have life-threatening implications for you and those surrounding you.