Routine psychiatric assessment

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Patients with mental complaints or concerns or disordered behavior present in a variety of clinical settings, including primary care and emergency treatment centers. Complaints or concerns may be new or a continuation of a history of mental problems. Complaints may be related to coping with a physical condition or be the direct effects of a physical condition on the central nervous system. The method of assessment depends on whether the complaints constitute an emergency or are reported in a scheduled visit. In an emergency, a physician may have to focus on more immediate history, symptoms, and behavior to be able to make a management decision. In a scheduled visit, a more thorough assessment is appropriate.

Routine psychiatric assessment includes a general medical and psychiatric history and a mental status examination. (See also the American Psychiatric Association’s Psychiatric Evaluation of Adults Quick Reference Guide and American Psychiatric Association: Practice guideline for the psychiatric evaluation of adults.)