Everyone’s route to mental health is unique. Many people may not know where to begin with treating their disorder. Consulting a medical professional can be a great place to start. If you choose to do this, you will receive a psychiatric evaluation. This blog will help you to better understand that process.
Your doctor may recommend this for many reasons. If you or a loved one requires an exam, you probably have concerns about what to expect.
Psychiatric examinations include:
Routine Exams
Emergencies
Consultations
The Doctor’s Role
Consider a psychiatric examination as any other medical test, with the purpose of assessing the patient, diagnosing them, and recommending a course of treatment. See below for further information on the process.
What Happens First?
A psychiatrist or other medical provider will interview you during a general psychiatric evaluation. The length of the interview depends on the diagnosis, your condition, and your capacity and willingness to collaborate with the psychiatrist on a treatment plan.
Your doctor will review any relevant information from your regular healthcare provider or the person who referred you.
A general psychiatric examination seeks to design a treatment plan or determine the need for immediate intervention, and identify any long-term concerns requiring follow-up care.
Emergency Psychiatric Evaluation
Patients in need of immediate medical care usually require an emergency examination if they have persistent undesirable thoughts, feelings, or cravings that interfere with their regular life. Suicidal thoughts or actions require an emergency exam. Your provider may also use an emergency exam if you show signs of inability to care for yourself, unusual or confused behavior, or extreme suffering.
Emergency psychiatric examinations aim to improve your and others’ safety. Your behavior may require a provisional diagnosis based on new information about your health. This could be a known medical issue or substance use.
If their is an impairment of your cognitive function, your doctor may speak with your family members or other close friends to obtain an accurate medical and behavioral history. If you already have a doctor, the psychiatrist may share information from your exam with them to ensure they are aware of your treatment plan.
Your psychiatrist may prescribe involuntary therapy to protect your health and safety. Next, your psychiatrist will then determine the need for further assessments or any safety precautions required.
Clinical Consultations
In this instance, this type of review is generally requested by another person. The purpose is to diagnose, treat, or manage a behavioral condition.
The length of an exam depends on its objective, and your psychiatrist may perform a quick one to find the best drug for a known diagnostic or medical condition. Your psychiatrist may also analyze any signs or symptoms of a mental disorder before making a diagnosis or suggesting further treatment.
Psychiatric exams help build a treatment plan for mental diseases and behavioral issues.
The Next Step
If you are looking for a psychiatrist in Chandler, AZ, I can help with treating many mental health disorders. I am here to help you in your mental health journey! Contact me today to set up an appointment.