General Psychiatric Assessment
The difficulties associated with conducting psychiatric assessments in general medical settings are many. There are many issues to be faced such as privacy concerns as well as ward rounds, examinations by other specialists, secure meals and planned family visits.
In this regard it can be challenging to quantify outcomes, particularly when it comes to specific outcomes due to illness.
Medical History
The first step in a general psychiatric evaluation is to learn about the patient's medical background. This includes information about the patient's present condition, any medications they are taking, as well as any significant previous medical issues that may have affected their current health and well-being. This information can help the physician determine what psychological tests would be appropriate and how many appointments they might need to make before making an assessment.
This process can be difficult to complete on medical wards due to the limited space and interruptions from ward rounds, assessments from other specialties or allied health professionals as well as scheduled meal times. It is important to find an area with enough privacy to conduct the examination and to schedule an appointment that does not interfere with any of these activities. It is also helpful to inquire from the referrer what their concerns are, so that you can determine exactly what kind of psychiatric evaluation is required.
When carrying out psychiatric assessments on the medical wards of general hospitals it is important to keep in mind that physical health issues that patients present with may influence or even mask their psychiatric symptoms and behaviour. This is a common problem that is referred to as diagnostic shadowing and is extremely 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 rather than conducting a thorough screening for delirium to rule out treatable causes like stroke.
It is therefore important that the psychiatrist who is conducting the assessment of the patient seeks to establish the connection between the patient's physical and psychological problems and to elicit any complaints or concerns the patient may have about their treatment, care or way their health condition is being treated. The basic model that is suggested in Reference Osborn and Warner (1998) is an easy method to achieve this, however it can be difficult to implement it in real life.
Family History
The psychiatrist will ask you about your family history to determine if there's an issue with mental health in your family. They'll also inquire about any past traumas or abuse, and your current social status (including your relationships, work and if you receive assistance from your home). You might be asked questions about your beliefs regarding religion as well as about your goals and hopes. The psychiatrist will determine an assessment and develop a treatment program that suits your requirements.
The psychiatrist should also look at physical symptoms. They will test the patient's blood pressure, listen to the lungs and heart and search for any other medical issues that may be causing or aggravating the symptoms of psychiatric illness.
It is often beneficial for a psychiatrist to get an all-encompassing physical from the general practitioner of the patient however, this isn't always feasible especially for patients who are seriously ill or inpatients on psychiatric hospitals. Patients with these conditions may have very little or no face-to-face interaction with psychiatrists. In these situations, it is vital that the psychiatric nurses or care coordinators play an proactive role in ensuring the physical health needs of patients are met.
Psychiatrists also need to understand why the person has been referred, and what they are hoping to achieve through their psychiatric evaluation. They should be capable of interpreting medical reports and examine the results of tests provided by a GP or other health professional, and they must communicate effectively with the medical team of the patient about the investigations carried out so that any medications or other treatments can be coordinated.
The medical history is a key component of any psychiatric evaluation and must include the patient's mental health diagnosis and psychiatry uk assessment previous treatment and information about their drug and alcohol use. It is also important to obtain a complete family history, if you can to determine the likelihood of developing certain disorders, like bipolar disorder, which tends to occur in families. Screens to collect life-long psychiatric information on informants and first-degree relatives can be helpful but there is value in obtaining a full family history of psychiatric issues as well.
Symptoms
During the psychiatric assessment your doctor will inquire with you about your symptoms and how they've affected your life. Your psychiatrist will ask you about any relevant issues like your family history. The interview can feel invasive at times, but it's essential that you answer honestly and fully so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.
If you're suffering from mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, it is important to seek a psychiatric examination to determine if you need treatment. While it is normal to be afflicted with depression or stress from time to time however, if these symptoms last longer than a few weeks and affect your daily functioning it is likely you need treatment.
Your psychiatrist will inquire about your symptoms and any other issues impacting you, like work or family problems or abuse of substances. They will also ask you about your physical health, sleeping habits and whether or not you have tried any other ways to treat your symptoms.
Your psychiatrist could also ask you about your experiences with mental illness. They could also employ assessments that are standardised, or psychological tests, to gain a better understanding of your situation. These tests could include personality assessments, questionnaires or cognitive tests that assess your level of distress.
If the psychiatric evaluation shows that you are experiencing psychotic symptoms that are marked by hallucinations or delusions that are a significant departure from the reality of consensual The psychiatrist will have to conduct a more thorough examination and may be required to take you to the hospital to be observed. You will be required to undergo a second assessment by a psychiatrist before being allowed to return home.
If you're in need of a psychiatric evaluation, Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates can provide you with the assistance and care you need. The team of caring and experienced professionals is committed to providing you with the information you need about your diagnosis and treatment options. You can book your psychiatric examination via the internet or call us now.
Psychological tests
An important part of a psychological examination is the use of different tests. Psychological tests are written or verbal assessments designed to measure non-observed aspects. They are commonly used to determine a person's personality traits and emotional functioning. They can also be used to determine the severity of a specific mental illness, like depression or anxiety. Psychological testing is typically conducted by an experienced psychologist who has been trained. The patient must adhere to certain guidelines for accurate results.
Psychological assessments can differ in the number and type of psychological tests they utilize dependent on the individual and their presenting symptoms. A general psychiatric assessment could be brief, like the Mini-Mental State Examination, or extended and thorough, like a Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Neuropsychological tests can be used to determine if there's a brain injury or concussion.
All types of psychiatric evaluations offer a glimpse of the patient's psychological and emotional functioning. In the hospital, doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists may conduct these assessments to determine the patient's mood, emotional reactivity and cognitive abilities. Private therapists are also able to conduct them in their offices to collect information for the development of a treatment plan and to determine if a patient would benefit from medication or another form of therapy.
Psychological evaluations include intelligence & achievement tests, which measure certain kinds of cognitive functioning (often called IQ) and performance in comparison to a normed group. Other tests are designed to assess the ability to complete an activity, such as memory tests or an assessment of word association. Psychologists are the only professionals with a vast amount of training and experience to administer and interpret psychological tests.
A psychiatric examination is designed to match the patient with a doctor that can provide treatment and management. The doctor will explain the diagnosis to the patient and explain how it relates to their symptoms. The doctor will also talk about the prognosis. This is the way in which a specific diagnosis is expected to change in the future.