PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS (MENTAL ILLNESSES)CLINICAL ASSESSMENT

CLINICAL ASSESSMENT The Psychiatric History

The Mental State Examination

Physical Examination

Investigations

Differential Diagnosis

THE PSYCHIATRIC HISTORY Presenting complaint History of presenting compliant Past psychiatric history Past medical history Medication history Family history Personal history Social history Drug and alcohol history Forensic history Premorbid personality

MENTAL STATE EXAMINATION Appearance and Behaviour

Speech

Mood and affect

Thoughts

Perception

Cognitive state

Insight

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, PHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS, PSYCHOMETRY

Physical examination and investigations Full physical examination

Blood pressure

Levels of consciousness

Appropriate laboratory investigations

Psychological investigations

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS Compiling a differential diagnosis is the first step in

diagnostic process

Redefining the diagnosis is the next step in which a provisional diagnosis is made