17 Signs You're Working With Psychiatric Assessment

What is a Psychiatric Assessment?

A psychiatric evaluation is conducted by licensed mental health professionals. It is important that they are armed with all the knowledge needed to help you.

They can ask you about your family history, conduct lab tests, observe and interview you, as well as conduct psychotherapy sessions. They may also prescribe medication.

Evaluation

It is normal to go through difficult times. However, if these issues begin to negatively impact daily activities and take away the pleasure of living, it might be time to seek professional assistance. A psychiatric assessment is the first step towards getting the proper care you need.

During this phase the psychiatrist will ask a lot of questions and will conduct an examination. This is crucial because there are occasions that a patient may have medical issues such as an illness of the thyroid or neurological nature which can trigger symptoms that are similar to a mental illness. A physical exam can reveal the issues so that the psychiatrist can identify the root of the problem.

The patient will be asked to explain their symptoms in detail including how they impact their daily activities. The doctor will ask you about your family background and other aspects of personal life such as your relationships, work and stress-related factors. The doctor will also want to find out if you've suffered any major traumas in your life.

Psychological tests are often used during the assessment process to provide objective data regarding specific mental health issues. These tests could include questionnaires asking you to evaluate your feelings or behavior, or other tests measuring your ability to concentrate, recall names and items or solve math problems.

Another aspect of the assessment that should be carefully noted is how much a patient speaks during the interview. The amount of verbalization and the quality of the speech (fluency or tone, rhythm) can provide clues to a patient's mood. A patient who does not talk often could be depressed or anxious, those who speak frequently might be manic.

For young children, the psychiatric examiner will spend some time simply talking to them in order to build trust and foster comfort. This joining period could be as simple as describing to the child the reason for their presence and easing any fears. For instance, a school-age girl may be initially nervous about having shots in their arm, but after the psychologist got her involved in her Barbie coloring book, she began to open up.

Diagnosis

After conducting a thorough interview with the patient the psychiatrist can determine what type of disorder a person has and provide recommendations for treatment. This will often include the use of psychiatric medications, however other modalities such as neuroimaging and EEG are also a possibility. The doctor will review the medical history of the patient, and may also order lab tests, to determine if there are any physical causes for their symptoms.

During the interview the psychiatrist will inquire of the person about their work and relationships and family history of mental health issues, any trauma they have experienced and any substance abuse issues they face. They will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms and how they affect their daily activities and lives. The psychiatrist will also discuss the patterns of sleep, appetite, and energy levels.

The psychiatrist will also listen passively to the patient's spoken words to assess its content. The amount of verbalization speed, fluency and rate as well as the tone and quality of the voice are important to observe. The therapist will also look to determine if there are any suicidal or homoicidal thoughts as also hallucinations and delusions.

Some disorders of the comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment spectrum are caused by physical factors, so the physician will also look for thyroid and kidney problems that may be causing symptoms. The doctor will also carry out an extensive physical exam and conduct blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels. All of these can affect the way you feel and behave.

It is important to be honest when answering questions during a psychiatric assessment. Failing to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis and ineffective treatments. If a person does not seek help, they could suffer for years suffering from mental illness, and even ruin their life.

Don't allow the stigma to stop you from seeking assistance. Mental illness can not only cause physical damage, but can also sever the bond you have with your loved ones and rob you of the enjoyment you get from your daily activities. Mental illnesses are more common than most people realize. In reality, 1 out of 5 Americans suffer from an issue with their mental health that is serious enough to cause problems in their daily lives.

Treatment

Psychiatric evaluations can feel invasive and uncomfortable, but they are a necessary part of receiving the treatment you require. You must answer each question accurately to allow your psychiatrist to determine the most accurate diagnosis. The information that you provide is confidential and will only be used for your treatment. If you are having trouble communicating your symptoms, it may be helpful to bring a family or friend member along. They can help you remember how much does a psychiatric assessment cost you feel and listen to you.

During the psychiatric examination during the psychiatric assessment, your doctor might ask you about your past background, including any childhood trauma or other medical conditions you have had. They will also want to be aware of any addictions or behaviors that could be affecting your ability to cope with your mental health issue.

Your psychiatrist will also want to know how your symptoms are affecting your daily life and relationships. They will be able identify any changes in mood or behavior as well as sleep patterns and determine whether they are getting better or worse. They will be capable of making an educated guess as to the possible diagnosis and then recommend the best treatment for you.

If you are having a crisis the psychiatric nurse will likely employ the screening tool called the psychiatric mental health examination (MSE). It is a method to assess the mental state of the client, covering the appearance, attitude, behavior, speech, mood and thinking process, as well as the content, perception, sensorium insight and judgment.

Your psychiatric nurse will discuss the options for treatment with you once all information has been collected. She will then develop an initial plan of treatment. This could include a mix of psychotherapy, medications, Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment and other behavioral therapy, based on the type of treatment they believe will be most effective.

Your psychiatric nurse must spend the time to go through the entire process with you, describing what they are doing and the reason for it. They will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have and will consider your viewpoints when deciding the most appropriate treatment for you.

Follow-up

A patient with mental illness requires an extensive evaluation which includes a thorough medical history, mental status exam and physical exam. The etiology of the condition must be identified. For instance, distinguishing between dementia and delirium could have critical implications for the diagnosis, treatment and disposition of the patient.

An evaluation of the patient's level insight is also essential. While the literature on insight is considerable however, the majority of studies have focused on patients who are severely ill. A standard assessment such as the Insight Treatment Attitude Questionnaire (ITAQ) can help clinicians assess a patient's understanding about the condition and reasons for treatment. Insight is considered to be an important indicator of readiness for discharge or the capacity to adhere to a psychiatric treatment regimen.

Psychiatric issues can be difficult to discuss and could provoke feelings of shame, embarrassment or despair in patients. Different interview methods can be employed to facilitate discussion of these sensitive issues. In addition to assessing the client's ability to adhere to psychiatric treatment, the assessment should include a review of the obstacles to adhering.

After the psychiatric assessment is completed, a psychiatric treatment plan must be formulated and documented in the client record. The plan can comprise outpatient psychiatric services psychotherapy or a combination of both. The client should be in a position to access the psychotherapeutic services listed in the treatment plans, whether on-site or via linkage.

In some cases, a psychiatric evaluation will reveal the cause of the patient's present mental illness. For example an anxiety disorder could be the result of an acute medical issue such as hypothyroidism or a substance use disorder that is aggravated by life stressors. In these situations treating the underlying cause is crucial before signs of psychiatric disorder and symptoms diminish.

Clients who need an assessment for psychiatric issues should be able consult a psychiatrist who can conduct the evaluation and provide treatment recommendations. This can be accomplished by consulting with the primary healthcare provider of the client or a psychiatric specialist in the community. The psychiatric facility must be able document all its interactions with the client, including evaluations medications, counseling and evaluation sessions.