What does the initial interview with a Psychiatrist or other Mental Health Professional Entail?

Question

What are some questions that must be asked during the initial meeting with a new patient?
Is there a protocal that must be followed for the first session?
Is there a set list of questions that must be answered during first session?

Answer 1

What is involved in a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?
The following are the most common components of a comprehensive, diagnostic psychiatric evaluation. However, each evaluation is different, as is each individual's symptoms and behaviors are different. Evaluation may include the following:

Description of behaviors present (i.e., when do the behaviors occur, how long does the behavior last, what are the conditions in which the behaviors most often occur)

Description of symptoms noted (physical and psychiatric symptoms)

Effects of behaviors/symptoms as related to the following:
work performance
school performance

Relationships and interactions with others (i.e., spouse, co-workers, family members, neighbors)
family involvement
activity involvement

Psychiatric interview

Personal and family history of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders
Complete medical history, including description of the Individual's overall physical health, list of any other illnesses or conditions present, and any treatments currently being administered
Laboratory tests, in some cases (may be used to determine if an underlying medical condition is present), including the following:
Blood tests
X-rays - a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
Educational assessments
Speech and language assessments
Psychological assessments

Answer 2

"What is my first meeting going to be like with a psychiatrist?

During your first visit, your psychiatrist will ordinarily make a thorough assessment of your symptoms and the history of your problems in order to evaluate the potential benefits of medication as a treatment option. He or she will also ask about your family history as well as any medical problems from which you might suffer. He or she will then discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of medication as a treatment choice including potential side effects. You can then make an informed decision about whether or not you would like to try medication."
Other mental health care professionals will do almost exactly the same. Therapists/psychologists may not emphasize meds as much.

Answer 3

There may be a formal protocol from the mental health professional's view point. They are going to want to understand you, your condition and the environmental stimuli that tends to set it off. You should also be prepared to ask questions about the therapist. How do they view therapy? How do they balance chemical treatment with talk therapy? How often should I see you? How long will i be involved in therapy?

At your first meeting, you should be interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.

Answer 4

they ask you how are you feeling and what seems to be the problems that upset you and they talk back to you with each thing you say an then go from there to evaluate you

Answer 5

Each visit varies from one practitioner to another.