What Happens During a Psychiatry Evaluation?
Psychiatry is the field of medicine that focuses on behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders in patients. Psychiatrists are doctors who work to diagnose, manage and treat patients suffering from disorders affecting their behavior, emotions, and thoughts.
The diagnosis process within psychiatry is important to understand, both for patients and for the patient's families and friends. In this article, discover each step of the psychiatric diagnosis process.
Ultimately, each patient is different, meaning their psychiatric care may vary. However, for the most part, psychiatrists are required to follow a strict protocol that involves performing a physical exam and a psychological evaluation and developing an advised treatment plan.
Psychiatry: How the diagnosis process works
It helps to know how the diagnostic process works during a psychiatric evaluation to help calm any anxieties that you may experience before the visit and properly prepare. Notably, the diagnostic process typically includes a physical exam, psychological evaluation, proposed treatment plan, and finally the follow-through with the proposed treatment. Keep reading to find out more about how the diagnosis process works when undergoing psychiatric care.
Physical exam
A physical exam can be conducted by a primary care physician, as long as the psychiatry professional is involved. Physical examinations are typically necessary to start the diagnosis process. A lot of mental health disorders have physical signs such as malnutrition, weight loss or gain, headaches, muscle pain, and even skin problems.
Psychological evaluation
Once a physical exam has been conducted, the patient will undergo a psychological evaluation, which is arguably the most intense part of the psychiatric diagnosis process. In order for patients to undergo psychiatric treatment, it is necessary for them to have a thorough evaluation. This evaluation allows the psychiatrist to determine what the problems are as well as where the patient needs the most help.
Proposed treatment plan
Once an evaluation takes place, a psychiatry treatment plan can be proposed. The treatment plan will be drawn up by the psychiatrist based on the evaluation. Factors that will be considered include mental health history, the patient's occupation, family history, medications, safety, and many other things. Ultimately, it is up to the psychiatrist to determine what type of treatment is necessary.
Even then, the treatment plan may change. A lot of psychiatry treatment plans combine multiple practices such as counseling and medications or support groups and psychotherapy. Each patient is different, so each type of treatment plan will be different and may change down the line.
Execution of the treatment plan
After the treatment plan is proposed, the patient will accept or decline. A lot of patients suffering from a mental illness accept the plan because they are not sure what they need in order to help themselves, which is why they have turned to psychiatry. Execution of the plan may take weeks, months, or even years, and a lot of treatment plans are ongoing. The psychiatry treatment process is often viewed as managing a condition or mental illness instead of completely fixing it.
What signs indicate a need for a psychiatric evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation may be recommended for a variety of purposes. By understanding the symptoms and seeking a prompt evaluation, you can start treatment earlier if there is a diagnosis of a mental health concern and give yourself the best possible chance at a quick and full recovery. Notable signs that a psychiatric evaluation may be necessary include:
- Social withdrawal (isolation)
- Feelings of apathy
- A decline in performance
- Disconnection from reality
- Unexplained mood changes
- Inability to sleep (insomnia)
- Change in appetite and eating habits
- Irrational thinking
- Feelings of sadness
- Frequent or persistent anxious thoughts
Anytime you or a loved one begins to think, feel, or behave abnormally and in a manner that is not entirely healthy, a psychiatric evaluation is recommended. Keep in mind, an evaluation is non-invasive and designed to help you get to the bottom of what is affecting you negatively.
How can I prepare for a psychiatric evaluation?
There are no special instructions that you must follow before your psychiatric evaluation. It may help to make a list of questions you would like to ask during your evaluation; otherwise, you may forget important talking points you would like to cover.
Get started today
If you have questions or concerns about the psychiatry diagnosis process, then reach out to our office so that we can help you. Our team can evaluate you to determine what type of psychiatric care may be best for your situation. Give us a call or stop by today. We are here to help.
Get more information here: https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Ketamine Clinics at (843) 788-9718
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Psychiatry in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Recent Posts
Good psychotherapy can provide you with the necessary tools to manage your emotional and mental difficulties. Therapy is important in achieving your general health. Considering it can boost your self-esteem and motivation. If you want to know the possible reasons for considering psychotherapy, here are the details.A patient may need some time before deciding to…
Choosing to undergo psychotherapy is one of the most important and beneficial things a person can do for themselves. Read on to learn more about interpersonal psychotherapy. Depending on a person's problems, the right kind of therapy can drastically improve their life in several ways.While different types of therapy work on particular issues or involve…
Mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder can affect the individual’s ability to function daily. Through psychotherapy services, patients can learn coping mechanisms that help them properly face (or potentially avoid) triggers.Psychotherapy is one of the most well-known and common forms of psychiatry treatment for mental health disorders. This is because psychotherapy…
Many people think psychiatrists only help with diagnosing and treating mental disorders, but they can also aid those with chronic pain. They focus on both the physical and emotional sides of pain. With personalized care, psychiatrists can give patients useful tools and strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.Per the Cleveland…