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Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
In the field of mental health, conducting an initial psychiatric evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. This is a comprehensive process conducted to evaluate an individual’s mental health status, identify any potential mental health disorders, mental health conditions, or psychiatric disorders, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Here's an elaboration of each of the steps done during an evaluation:
The mental health professional will conduct a detailed interview to gather information about the individual’s current and past symptoms, life experiences, past psychiatric history, medical history, and overall functioning to understand the person’s unique circumstances and concerns.
Afterward, the professional observes and assesses the individual’s appearance, behavior, speech, thought process, mood, and cognitive abilities. Observing for signs of self-harm, such as scars or injuries, is crucial as it can indicate the patient's mental state or underlying conditions like depression or anxiety.
In some cases, the professional may administer standardized psychological tests or questionnaires to evaluate further specific areas of concern, such as depression, anxiety, or challenges in cognitive function, such as accomplishing activities that need sustained mental effort.
The evaluator may gather additional information from family members, friends, a doctor, or other relevant sources, including the patient's social history, to better understand the individual’s condition and its impact on their daily life.
In some instances, a physical examination or laboratory tests may be ordered to rule out potential medical conditions that could contribute to or mimic psychiatric symptoms.
After collecting and analyzing all relevant information, the mental health professional integrates the findings to determine the presence of any psychiatric disorders or mental health concerns.
