General Psychiatric Assessment
There are many challenges to performing psychiatric examinations in general medical settings. This includes privacy issues, ward rounds and assessments by other specialties. They also have issues with meals and scheduled visits from family members.
In this context it can be challenging to quantify outcomes, particularly when it comes to specific outcomes due to illness.
Medical Histories
The first step in a general psychiatric evaluation is to determine the medical history of the patient. This will include information about their present condition and any medication they are taking, as well as any previous medical issues that may have influenced their health and well-being. This information can help the professional decide what psychological tests are appropriate and how many visits may be needed before making a diagnose.
This step can be difficult to complete on medical wards due to the limited space and interruptions by visits to wards, assessments from other specialties or allied health professionals as well as meals that are protected. It is worthwhile to find a time that doesn't clash with the other activities listed above and find a quiet space for the assessment to be conducted. It is also beneficial to ask the person who refers you what their specific concerns are, so that you can identify precisely what type of psychiatric assessment is required.
When carrying out psychiatric assessments on medical wards of general hospitals it is important to remember that the physical health issues that the patient is suffering from can influence or even overshadow their psychiatric symptoms and behaviour. This is a common problem that is referred to as diagnostic overshadowing and is very difficult to avoid. For instance when the patient was admitted to a delirium hospital and they have a prior diagnosis of dementia on their medical records it can be tempting to "shadow" the delirium by assuming it is caused by their mental illness, rather than conduct a complete screening for delirium to rule out treatable causes such as stroke.
It is therefore important that the psychiatrist assessing the patient tries to establish the relationship between the patient's physical and psychiatric issues and to inquire about any concerns or complaints that the patient might have regarding their treatment, care or the manner in which their health condition is being handled. The basic model that is recommended in Reference Osborn and Warner (1998) is a simple schema for achieving this, but it could be a challenge to implement this in the real world.
Family History
The psychiatrist will inquire about your family history in order to determine if there is an issue with mental health in your family. They'll also inquire about any experiences you've had with trauma or experienced, as well as your current social status (including your work, relationships and if you receive assistance from your home). You might be asked questions about your beliefs regarding religion and about your ambitions and goals. The psychiatrist will then make an assessment and formulate a treatment plan that will suit your needs.
Physical symptoms are also important and it is vital that the psychiatrist examine these as well. They will examine the patient's blood pressure, listen to the lungs and heart and search for any other medical issues that may be causing or exacerbating the psychiatric symptoms.
It is often helpful for a psychiatrist to get an entire physical exam from the patient's general practitioner but this isn't always possible especially for patients who are seriously ill and those who are inpatients on psychiatric wards. These patients may have only minimal or no face-to-face interaction with psychiatrists. In such instances, it is important that psychiatric nurses and care coordinators take an active role in ensuring that these patients' physical health concerns are met.
Psychiatrists also need to understand why the person has been referred, and what they expect to achieve through their psychiatric evaluation. They need to be capable of interpreting medical reports and review reports of tests from an GP or other health professional. They must communicate effectively with person's medical team about the tests carried out so that any medication or other treatments can be coordinated.
The medical history is an important component of any psychiatric assessment. It should contain information about the diagnosis of the patient's psychiatric illness and treatment history as well as any drinking and drug use. It is also important to obtain a complete family history, if you can, in order to establish the likelihood of developing certain disorders, like bipolar disorder, which is known to run in families. Brief screens to collect lifetime psychopathological information from informants and first-degree relatives can be helpful, but there is the benefit of obtaining a complete family psychiatric history as well.
Signs and symptoms
In the course of a psychiatric assessment, your doctor may inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. Your psychiatrist will also ask you about your family history and any other issues that may be relevant. The process can be uncomfortable at times, but it is essential that you answer honestly and completely so that an accurate diagnosis can be determined.
It is crucial to have an evaluation of your psychiatric condition if you suffer from mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. This will determine whether you require treatment. While it is normal to experience periods of stress or low mood from time to time but if the symptoms last for more than two weeks and interfere with your daily functioning it is likely you need treatment.
In addition to discussing your symptoms, your psychiatrist will also inquire about any other issues that may be impacting you, such as problems at work or with your family, or addiction issues. They will also ask you about your physical health, sleeping habits and whether or not you have tried any other strategies to alleviate your symptoms.
Your psychiatrist might also ask you about your experiences with mental illness. They can also use assessments that are standardised, or psychological tests, to get a better understanding of your current situation. These tests can include questionnaires, personality tests or cognitive tests to gauge the level of stress you are experiencing.
If your psychiatric examination finds that you suffer from psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions that differ significantly from what is believed to be reality, then the psychiatrist might have to conduct an extensive exam and admit you to the hospital to be observed. In these instances you'll need to be examined by a different psychiatrist before you can return home.
Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates will how much does a psychiatric assessment cost give you the support and care you require. The team of skilled and knowledgeable professionals are committed to providing you with all the information you require about your diagnosis and treatment options. You can schedule your psychiatric exam online or by phone now.
Psychological Tests
An important part of a psychological examination is the use of a variety of tests. Psychological tests are written assessments or verbal evaluations that assess non-observed elements. They are often used to evaluate a person's personality traits and emotional functioning. They can also be used to determine the severity of a specific mental illness, for example, depression or anxiety. Psychological testing is usually done by a qualified psychologist and requires the patient to follow certain guidelines to get precise results.
Psychological assessments can differ in terms of the number and types of psychological tests that are employed, based on the symptoms of an individual. A general psychiatric examination can be brief, like 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 an injury to the brain or concussion.
All kinds of psychiatric tests provide a look at the patient's emotional and psychological functioning. In the hospital, doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists sometimes conduct these tests to evaluate the patient's mood emotional reactivity, cognitive capabilities. Private therapists are also able to conduct these tests in their offices to gather information for the development of 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 tests. These tests measure cognitive performance (often referred as IQ) in comparison to a normal group. Other tests are designed to test the ability to perform tasks, like an assessment of memory or an assessment of word association. Psychologists are the only experts who have extensive education and expertise in administering and interpreting psychological tests.
The aim of a psychiatric examination is to match the patient with a doctor who can offer treatment and treatment. The doctor will explain the diagnosis to the patient, and how it relates to the symptoms. The doctor will also talk about the prognosis. This is how a diagnosis can be expected progress over time.