What Happens During a Psychiatry Evaluation?

Psychiatry Myrtle Beach, SC

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

When Long-Term Psychotherapy Is A Treatment Option

Psychotherapy can help many people with different emotional and mental issues. It can remove any difficult symptom that prevents a person from functioning well. The right length of this therapy depends on what problems you may have. If you want to know when long-term psychotherapy is an option for you, here are the details.Talking with…

When Short-term Psychotherapy May Be Recommended

Whereas psychotherapy tends to be a long-term treatment for dealing with mental health issues, short-term therapy is more about achieving goals. If you do short-term therapy, you will likely focus on whatever issues currently give you the most trouble. One significant advantage of short-term therapy is that it can help you face the avoidance tendencies…

3 Benefits Of Ketamine Infusion Therapy From A Psychiatrist

In recent years, ketamine infusion therapy has become a popular complementary psychiatric treatment method. While many people take SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) for this condition, others do not respond the same way or experience side effects. In these cases, psychiatrists may recommend ketamine infusion therapy to provide relief where traditional methods have fallen short.…

Psychotherapy Approaches For Anxiety Treatment

Patients with anxiety will need psychotherapy for its management. People with this type of disorder react to unfavorable situations, thoughts, and feelings in an intense way. Managing this mental condition the right way can prevent worries and fears from developing. If you want to know the various psychotherapy approaches to treating anxiety, here are the…

Recent Posts

When Long Term Psychotherapy Is A Treatment Option

When Long-Term Psychotherapy Is A Treatment Option

Psychotherapy can help many people with different emotional and mental issues. It can remove any difficult symptom that prevents a person from functioning well. The right length of this therapy depends on what problems you may have. If you want to know when long-term psychotherapy is an option for you, here are the details.Talking with…

When Short Term Psychotherapy May Be Recommended

When Short-term Psychotherapy May Be Recommended

Whereas psychotherapy tends to be a long-term treatment for dealing with mental health issues, short-term therapy is more about achieving goals. If you do short-term therapy, you will likely focus on whatever issues currently give you the most trouble. One significant advantage of short-term therapy is that it can help you face the avoidance tendencies…