A psychiatric examination can be used to determine the status of someone undergoing or requiring mental health care. As described in the video, such an examination has many components.
Conducted by mental health professionals, a psychiatric examination can deal with some of the more practical aspects in the lives of patients, including their financial status and available family support. It can also help in the understanding of certain behaviors, including the use of alcohol and drugs.
The diagnostic portion of an interview is designed to deal with specific psychiatric problems.
Throughout the major portion of the questioning process, patients will be given the opportunity to describe their symptoms. Patients will be asked whether they experience hallucinations and whether they believe what they are sensing seems real or is imaginary. They will also be asked about delusions, which may involve unusual thoughts that are not perceived by other senses. Additionally, a psychiatric examination will give mental health professionals a chance to determine whether patients are a danger to themselves or to others.
Done in a comfortable environment and on a one-to-one basis, a psychiatric examination can be completed in a little as 15 minutes.
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