General Psychiatric Assessment
There are a variety of challenges when conducting psychiatric assessments in general medical settings. These include problems with privacy, ward rounds and assessments by other specialties, secure meal times and planned visits from family members.
In this context it can be a challenge to determine the impact of outcomes, especially when it comes to disease-specific outcomes.
Medical Histories
The first step of a general psychiatric evaluation is to determine the medical background of the patient. This will include information about their present condition and any medications they are taking, as well as any previous medical issues that could have affected their health and wellbeing. This information will help the professional decide what psychological tests might be appropriate and the number of appointments they might require before determining a diagnosis.
This is often a challenge to complete on medical wards due to the limited space available and interruptions from ward rounds, assessments by other specialties and health specialists, protected mealtimes and planned visits. It is important to find an area with enough privacy to conduct the examination and then schedule an appointment that doesn't conflict with any of these activities. Inquiring about the referrer's specific concerns will help you determine what type of psychiatric evaluation is needed.
When performing psychiatric assessments on the medical wards in general hospitals, it is crucial to remember that the physical health issues a patient presents with can affect or even obscure their psychiatric symptoms and behaviour. This is a common problem that is referred to as diagnostic overshadowing and can be very difficult to avoid. If patients are admitted with delirium but has a diagnosis of dementia in their medical records, it may be tempting to "shadow the delirium' and assume that it is caused by their existing mental illness. This is not as effective as carrying out a full screen for delirium to rule out treatable causes like stroke.
It is therefore important that the psychiatrist taking a look at the patient is trying to establish the connection between the patient's physical and psychological issues and to inquire about any concerns or complaints the patient may have about their treatment, care or way their health condition is being managed. Reference Osborn and Warner (1998) suggests a basic model for achieving this. However, it could be difficult to implement in practice.
Family History
The psychiatrist will ask about your family history to see whether there are any mental health problems in your family. They will also inquire about any traumas you've experienced or abuse, and your current social status (including your relationships, work and if you receive the support of your family). You may be asked about your beliefs in religion as well as your goals and dreams. The psychiatrist will then make an assessment and create an appropriate treatment plan to suit your requirements.
Physical symptoms are equally important and it is vital that the psychiatrist checks these as well. They will check their blood pressure, listen to and feel the heart and lungs and look for other medical conditions which could cause the psychiatric symptoms.
It is important for psychiatrists to receive an exhaustive physical from the doctor who is treating the patient, but this may not always be possible, particularly with those who are sick or inpatients at psychiatric units. They may have minimal or no face-to-face interaction with psychiatrists. In these situations it is crucial that the psychiatrist's nursing staff or care coordinators play an active role in ensuring that the physical health needs of patients are satisfied.
Psychiatrists should also comprehend why a person is being evaluated and what they hope to achieve with their psychiatric assessment. They must be capable of interpreting medical reports and review reports of tests from an GP or other health professional. They must be able to communicate urgent psychiatric assessment effectively with the medical team of the patient about what investigations have been conducted so that any treatment or medication can be coordinated.
The medical history is an essential part of any psychiatric evaluation. It should contain information about the patient's diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, past treatment and drinking and drug use. If possible, it is important to collect an entire family history to assess the risk of certain disorders such as bipolar disorder. It is useful to use brief screens that record the lifetime psychiatric information of informants and their first-degree relatives, but it is also crucial to have the complete psychiatric records of all family members.
Signs and symptoms
During the psychiatric evaluation, your doctor may inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. Your psychiatrist will also ask you about your family history, as well as any other issues that could be relevant. The process can be uncomfortable at times, but it's essential that you answer honestly and completely so that a precise diagnosis can be made.
If you are suffering from mental health problems like depression or anxiety it is crucial to get a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether or not you require treatment. It is normal to experience periods of depression and stress however if they last more than one or two days or interfere with your daily functioning then you might require treatment.
In addition to discussing your symptoms Your psychiatrist will inquire about any other issues that might be affecting your health, such as issues with work and family or substance abuse. They will also inquire about your physical health, sleeping habits, and whether you've tried other ways to help your symptoms.
Your psychiatrist may also ask you questions about your previous experiences with mental illness and they may also use standardized assessment tools or psychological tests to gain more understanding of your situation. These tests may include questionnaires, personality assessments or cognitive tests that assess your level of distress.
If the psychiatric evaluation indicates that you are suffering from psychotic symptoms, manifested by hallucinations or delusions that are a significant departure from consensual reality, the psychiatrist will need to conduct a more thorough examination and may need to admit you to hospital to be observed. In these instances, you will need to be re-evaluated by another psychiatrist before returning home.
Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates will provide you with the support and care you need. The team of caring and experienced professionals are committed to giving you the information you need about the diagnosis you have received and possible treatment options. You can book a psychiatric examination on the internet or by phone today.
Psychological tests
The use of a variety of tests is an important part of a psycho-psychological assessment. Psychological tests are written or verbal evaluations designed to measure unobserved constructs. They are often used to assess the personality of a person and their emotional functioning. They can be used to determine the severity of a particular mental illness, for example, anxiety or depression. Psychological testing is typically done by an experienced psychologist who has been trained. The patient must follow certain instructions to get accurate results.
Psychological assessments can differ in terms of the number and types of psychological tests employed, based on the symptoms of an individual. A general psychiatric assessment may be brief, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MSE) or more thorough and time-consuming, like a Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Neuropsychological tests can be used to determine if there is a brain injury or concussion.
All kinds of psychiatric examinations offer a glimpse of the patient's psychological and emotional state. In hospitals doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists sometimes conduct these evaluations to assess a patient's mood, emotional reactivity and cognitive capabilities. Private therapists are also able to conduct these tests in their offices to gather data for an appropriate treatment plan, and to determine if the patient could benefit from medication or a different method of therapy.
Psychological evaluations include tests for intelligence and achievement which test certain types of cognitive functioning (often called IQ) and performance in comparison to a standard group. Other tests are designed to assess the ability to perform tasks, such as a word association or memory test. Psychologists are the only professionals who have extensive education and expertise in the administration and interpretation of psychological tests.
A psychiatric examination is designed to connect the patient with a physician who can offer treatment and management. The doctor will explain the diagnosis to the patient and how it is related to their symptoms. The doctor will also speak about the prognosis. This is how a diagnosis can be expected to progress over time.