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Psychiatric Evaluation
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THE AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC GROUP DIFFERENCE
We Deliver the Best Psychiatric Care Available.
A psychiatric evaluation is a mental health evaluation by a psychiatrist designed to determine whether a patient is presenting with a mental illness and if so, to establish a diagnosis and the best course of treatment.
A full evaluation typically requires multiple sessions to obtain enough information on the patient.
The doctor will gather information on the present symptoms and concerns as well as about the health, illness and medical and psychiatric treatment of the patient. Any medications being taken and family health and psychiatric histories will be detailed. Interviews with the patient, and sometimes family members, are essential. Questions are asked about the patient’s relationships with family and friends. In some cases, a physical exam, blood tests and other forms of assessment may provide important insight, especially into inherited concerns.
An involuntary psychiatric evaluation can take place when a treating physician demonstrates that a person may be a danger to themselves or others. The person will be taken to a psychiatric emergency room for examination by a team of mental health workers.
THE AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC GROUP DIFFERENCE
We Deliver the Best Psychiatric Care Available.
What are Psychiatric Evaluations?
There are a number of different areas of a person’s life that may be examined during a psychiatric evaluation. It is important to remember that while each evaluation is unique, a tentative outline of what is involved in a psychiatric evaluation includes:
- Documentation of symptoms
- Consideration of the family history
- Check for a medical condition
- Psychiatric interview of the patient
- Diagnosis and treatment
The first thing many mental health professionals do during a psychiatric evaluation is determining why the evaluation is needed by considering the symptoms of the patient. In addition, they may also check family history as well as take into consideration the previous medical history of the patient.
It is also often helpful to rule out any medical conditions. This can help to better explain the symptoms along with evaluating the patient’s mental state. Once the evaluation is over, we can then diagnose the patient and work with them to treat the condition.
When Psychiatric Evaluations are Necessary:
Some people do not realize that each mental illness, such as depression or anxiety, has multiple levels and types. Thus, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment method. Our team takes the time to identify the patient’s needs with a psychiatric evaluation. This can help patients of varying ages from children to adults.
We understand that patients may be hesitant to seek treatment and can help ease the patient into it. People may fear the stereotype of how others judge mental illness, but we strive to create a judgment-free zone. There is no reason to continue struggling with the condition and avoid treatment. In some cases, an individual may not want to seek treatment and a loved one may need to reach out to us.
Signs that a psychiatric evaluation can be beneficial to an individual include:
- An inability to think rationally
- Sudden, unexplained mood swings
- A sudden lack of motivation
- Uninterest in social interactions
It is important to know the difference between changes in behavior or thought patterns that are unhealthy versus normal reactions. In most instances, this distinction is rather obvious.