Psychiatric interview

The objectives of a psychiatric interview are to:

• establish a constructive relationship with the patient which may serve as the basis for any subsequent thera- -peutic relationship.
• it serves as a standard situation in which to assess the patient's emotions and attitudes.
• determine if the patient has a mental disorder - if so, which one(s)?
• what caused it?
• how can it be treated?

Means:

• psychiatric history - main tool, mental state exam
• informants

Beforehand - establish the circumstances, get old notes, talk to informant

At the start:

• identify yourself and your status
• give reason for interview
• time available
• objectives of interview
• be friendly, and remain in control

The interview:

• open questions at start become directive when necessary
• retain control - may need active input
• clarify, reflect, facilitate, listen
• be open and ready to ask about suicide, sex, drugs etc

The end:

• give patient chance to fill in the gaps
• summarise history back to them
• outline a management plan
• consider the diagnostic formulation
• draw up problem lists