psychiatric evaluation

What is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may be needed to diagnose emotional, behavioral, thought process, or relational disorders. An evaluation is made based on behaviors present and in relation to physical, genetic, environmental, social, cognitive, emotional, and educational components that may be affected as a result of these behaviors.

Who is evaluated?
Many times, families, spouses, teachers, or friends are the first to suspect that their loved one is challenged by feelings, behaviors, or environmental conditions that cause him or her to appear unmotivated, irritable, sad, or confused. This may include problems with relationships with friends or family members, as well as issues with work, school, sleeping, eating, substance use, emotional expression, development, coping, attentiveness, and responsiveness. It’s important for families who suspect a problem in any of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible for their loved one.

What is involved in a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?
The following includes the most common parts of a comprehensive, diagnostic psychiatric evaluation. Nonetheless, each evaluation is different, as each person’s symptoms and behaviors are different. Evaluation may include:

• Description of behaviors (when do the behaviors happen, how long do the behaviors last, what are the conditions in which the behaviors most often happen)
• Description of symptoms (physical and psychiatric symptoms, including emotional experiences)
• Work performance
• School performance
• Relationships and interactions with others (spouse, coworkers, family members, friends, or neighbors)
• Family involvement
• Activity involvement
• Personal and family history of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders
• Complete medical history, including description of the patient’s overall physical health, list of any other illnesses or conditions present, and any current treatments
• Lab tests (may be used to determine if an underlying medical condition is present), including radiology studies to look for abnormalities, particularly in the brain structures
• Educational assessments
• Speech and language assessments

When a Family Member is Being Evaluated
It is natural and common for spouses and family members to question themselves when it becomes necessary for a loved one to be psychiatrically evaluated. You may have many questions and concerns as to his or her welfare and emotional well-being. Common questions might include:

• What is wrong with my spouse, family member, or loved one?
• Is his or her behavior normal?
• Did I do something wrong in my relationship with him or her to cause this?
• Does he or she need to be hospitalized?
• Will he or she need treatment?
• Will he or she “outgrow” or stop engaging in these behaviors at some point?
• Is this just “a phase” he or she is going through?
• How can I help him or her get better?
• What will treatment cost?
• Where do we go for help?
• What does this diagnosis mean?
• How can my family become involved?

Once a diagnosis is made, family involvement and active participation in treatment is very important for any person with a mental health disorder. Ascher Medical Group will address your questions and concerns and provide a plan by working with you to establish treatment goals for your loved one.