General Psychiatric Assessment
The difficulties of conducting mental health assessments in general medical settings are many. They include privacy concerns, ward rounds and assessments by other specialties. They also have issues with meal times and planned visits from family members.
In this regard it can be challenging to measure outcomes, especially when it comes to outcomes that are specific to a disease.
Medical Histories
The first step of a general psychiatric evaluation is to determine the medical history of the patient. This will include information about the patient's present condition and any medications they're taking, as well as any significant previous medical conditions that may affect their current health and well-being. This information will aid the doctor in determining what psychological tests might be appropriate and the number of appointments they might require before determining the diagnosis.
This process can be difficult to complete on medical wards because of the limited space and interruptions by ward rounds, assessments from other specialties, allied health professionals and scheduled meal times. It is worth trying to schedule an appointment time that does not clash with any of these activities and locate a quiet place for the examination to be conducted. It is also beneficial to inquire from the referrer what their concerns are, so that you can determine exactly what kind of psychiatric assessment is required.
When conducting psychiatric examinations on medical wards of general hospitals, it is crucial to keep in mind that physical health problems the patient is suffering from can influence or even mask their psychiatric signs and behaviors. Diagnostic overshadowing is a very frequent issue and is hard to avoid. If patients are admitted with delirium and has an indication of dementia in their medical records, it may be tempting to "shadow" the delirium' by assuming that it is caused by their mental illness. This is rather than performing a complete screen for delirium to rule out treatmentable causes like stroke.
It is crucial that the psychiatrist assessing the patient attempts to establish a link between the psychiatric and physical issues of the patient and to elicit concerns or complaints from the patient regarding their treatment, care, or how their condition is managed. Reference Osborn & Warner (1998) recommends the most basic approach to accomplishing this. However, it can 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 problem in your family. They'll also inquire about any experiences you've had with trauma or abused, as well as your current status in the social world (including your work, relationships, and if you have support from home). You might be asked questions about your beliefs in religion as well as about your goals and dreams. The psychiatrist will provide an assessment and develop a treatment program that suits your needs.
Physical symptoms are also important and it is vital that the psychiatrist evaluate these too. They will examine the patient's blood pressure, listen to the lungs and heart and search for any other medical issues that could be causing or exacerbating the symptoms of psychiatric illness.
It is often helpful for the psychiatrist to obtain a full physical from the general practitioner however, it's not always possible especially for patients who are seriously ill or inpatients on psychiatric hospitals. Those on these wards may have only sporadic face-toface contact with psychiatrists or none at all. In these situations it is essential that the psychiatric staff or care coordinators play an proactive role in ensuring the physical health needs of patients are met.
Psychiatrists must also be able to comprehend why a person is being referred to them, and what they expect to achieve from their psychiatric assessment. They need to be competent in interpreting medical letters and review reports of tests received from an GP or other health professional, and they must communicate effectively with the medical team that is treating the patient to determine the tests conducted to ensure that any treatment or medication can be coordinated.
The medical history is an essential aspect of any psychiatric examination, and this must include the patient's mental health diagnosis and previous treatment, as well as details about their alcohol and drug use. It is also essential to obtain a complete family history, if possible to determine the likelihood of developing certain disorders, such as bipolar disorder, which tends to occur in families. Brief screens to collect lifetime psychopathological information from informants and first-degree relatives can be useful but there is merit in having a complete family psychiatric history as well.
Symptoms
In the course of a psychiatric evaluation the doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. Your psychiatrist will also ask you about your family history, as well as any other issues that may be relevant. The interview may be uncomfortable at times, but it is vital that you speak truthfully and completely so that a precise diagnosis can be given.
If you're suffering from mental health problems like anxiety or depression it is crucial to get a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether or not you require treatment. It is normal to have periods of low mood and stress, but should they last for more than several days or impact your daily activities, then you may need treatment.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and any other issues that are affecting you, such as family or work-related issues or addiction issues. They will also inquire about your physical health, sleeping habits and if you have tried other methods to treat your symptoms.
Your psychiatrist might also ask you about your previous experiences with mental illness. They can also use standard assessment tools such as psychological tests to gain a better understanding of your current situation. These tests can include personality tests, questionnaires or cognitive tests to gauge the level of stress you are experiencing.
If your psychiatric assessment indicates that you are suffering from psychotic symptoms, for example hallucinations and delusions that differ significantly from what is thought to be real, the psychiatrist might need to perform an in-depth exam and send you to the hospital to be observed. In these instances you'll need be evaluated by a different psychiatrist before returning home.
Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates will provide you with the support and care you require. The team of knowledgeable and caring professionals are dedicated to ensuring that you have the information you need about your diagnosis and treatment options. You can schedule your psychiatric evaluation on the internet or by calling us today.
Psychological tests
The use of different tests is a crucial aspect of a psycho-psychological examination. Psychological tests are either written or verbal assessments designed to measure non-observed constructs. They are used to evaluate the person's emotional health and personality characteristics. They can be used to determine a mental health condition's severity, like anxiety or depression. Psychological testing is typically conducted by a psychologist who is trained and requires the patient to follow specific guidelines to get accurate results.
Psychological assessments can differ in the amount and types of psychological tests that are that are administered, based on an individual's symptoms. A general psychiatric assessment may be brief, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MSE) or more thorough and time-consuming, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Neuropsychological tests that are in-depth can be used to assess the presence of concussion, brain injury or other neurological disorders.
All types of psychiatric evaluations offer a glimpse of the patient's overall psychological and emotional functioning. In hospitals, doctors, psychologists and sometimes psychiatrists conduct these assessments to determine a patient's mood, emotional reactivity and cognitive abilities. Private therapists may also conduct these tests in their offices to collect information for an appropriate treatment plan, and to determine if the patient could benefit from medication or a different type of therapy.
Intelligence and Achievement Tests are an example of psychological assessments. These tests measure cognitive functioning (often known as IQ) in comparison to a normal 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 professionals with extensive training and expertise in conducting and interpreting psychological tests.
A psychiatric exam is designed to match the patient with a physician who can offer treatment and management. The doctor will explain the diagnosis to the patient and explain how it is related to their symptoms. The doctor will also speak about the prognosis. iampsychiatry.uk is how a diagnosis can be likely to develop in time.