Symposium 1: taking a history, mental state examination and making a diagnosis

Question 1

How can you deal with safety/risks prior to and during a psychiatric assessment?

Answer 1

Treating team/primary nurse - can advise on patient Violence is unusual Inform staff who you are going to interview & where During the interview - autonomic overactivity; posture; verbal aggression If uncomfortable end interview

Question 2

What are the more important aspects of a psychiatric history that need to be covered?

Answer 2

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Question 3

What should be covered in the introduction of a psych history?

Answer 3

• Greet verbally & introduce yourself
• Non-verbal cues
• Orientate & check
  
  • purpose of interview
  • likely duration of interview
  • note taking, confidentiality, part of a team

Question 4

What important skills are particularly important in terms of history taking in psych?

Answer 4

• Eye contact
• Non-threatening manner, appearing unhurried
• Facilitative noises
• Pick up non-verbal queues & acknowledge issues (“that sounds painful”)
• Control over talkativeness with polite authority
• Not offer opinion too soon.
• Demonstrate interest. and clarify history.
• use both open and closed questions.