What is Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation?

A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may be necessary to diagnose number of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. An evaluation is made based on behaviors present and in relation to physical, genetic, environmental, social, cognitive (thinking), emotional, and educational components that may be affected as a result of the behaviors presented.

Who is evaluated?

Many times, families, spouses, or friends are the first to suspect that their loved one is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited to, problems with relationships with friends and/or family members, work, school, sleeping, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, coping, attentiveness, and responsiveness. It is important for families who suspect a problem in one, or more, of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for these mental health disorders is available.

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
  • 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
• Diagnostic 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

Who is involved in treatment?

It is natural, and quite common, for spouses and family members to question themselves when it becomes necessary for a loved one to be psychiatrically evaluated, and may have many questions and concerns as to his/her welfare and emotional well-being.

Once a diagnosis is made, family involvement and active participation in treatment is extremely important for any individual with a mental health disorder. The doctor will address questions and provide reassurance by working with you to establish long-term and short-term treatment goals for your loved one.

We work along with other professionals like Primary care Physicians, Specialists, Pediatricians, Therapists and other specialized care physicians in various roles, for the consultation or collaborative care well as for the continuation of your psychiatric care.