Psychiatrist Assessment in the UK
A psychiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in mental health. They are trained to recognize and treat conditions like depression, anxiety or Bipolar Disorder. They are also able to prescribe medications.
A psychiatrist assessment is usually performed face-to-face (or remotely via video during the Covid-19 pandemic). Discussions are held on the subject of the person's problems and their history. The psychiatrist will present initial diagnoses and a medical note to the GP.
What you can expect
Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. They have completed a rigorous course of training in order to be able and treat what could be difficult psychological problems. They will usually have the letters MRCPsych or FRCPsych next to their names, which means that they belong to the Royal College of Psychiatrists and thus have met the strict standards for membership. They will also be registered with the medical council in the UK which is a body of the government responsible for controlling doctors.
During the psychiatrist assessment in the UK, you will be asked a lot of questions and will be required to fill out various forms. They will ask you questions about your past, and the reason for your distress, to diagnose. This will include asking about your family history as well as any prior diagnoses you have had, and if you're taking any medication. They may also want to see any results from tests, such as blood, which can provide them with more information about what is happening in your body and brain.
The interview will typically last between 1 and 2 hours. It is usually conducted at your home, however if there is any indication that you are a risk to others or yourself, then the AMHP (Approved Mental Health Professional) might decide to have the examination completed in a hospital. During the assessment the AMHP will be looking for any indications of suicidal behaviors and will also assess your level of risk to you and others.
During the consultation the psychiatrist will work out an initial diagnosis, and if they feel that it is necessary, they will also prescribe medications at this moment. The psychiatrist will then discuss with you the treatment plan which will likely to include psychotherapy as well as medications. They will also request any follow-up appointments they think you might require. If there is anything that you are not comfortable discussing, or if your psychiatrist doesn't seem to be able to understand your concerns, don't be afraid to voice your concerns. They are trying to find the root of what is causing you anxiety, and will be more than willing to try again in the future.
Forms for pre-assessment
A psychiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in mental health and can prescribe medications. They are medically certified and, unlike psychologists or counselors, must be the designation MRCPsych (Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists) in their names. Certain NHS psychiatrists also work in GP practices and hospital wards. Psychiatrists are knowledgeable of the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of disorders, such as depression, anxiety psychoses, addictions, and psychoses. They can also assess and treat people with long-term physical health conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
In the initial assessment, your psychiatrist will ask for details about the symptoms you have been experiencing. They will also ask about your family history and the reasons for your symptoms. Bring notes or a written record so you don't miss anything. You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire to help them determine your risk factors for anxiety or depression. They may ask you to submit an urine sample or have a blood pressure test depending on your symptoms.
If you suffer from a disability it's a good idea to inform your psychiatrist prior to the appointment so they can consider this when conducting the evaluation. If needed they can arrange an appointment with an expert in mental health to assist you during the interview.
In some cases it might be necessary to reach out to your child's school or teachers to gather more details about their academic performance and social functioning. This is done only with your consent.
After a thorough review, your psychiatrist can provide you with a formal diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Usually, they will suggest the use of a psychological therapy in addition to any medication they may suggest. They will also provide advice on how to manage your symptoms in the future. Most appointments last up to one hour, though this can be reduced if your psychiatrist needs more information about your symptoms or the cause.
The assessment
In a psychiatric assessment, your doctor will listen to your concerns and take into account the reason for coming in and how you are feeling. They will inquire about your life in general and family history. They may also ask you about past traumas or current feelings. The more transparent you are, the more they will be able to work out what is wrong with you.
During the interview, your psychiatrist will pay close attention to your body language and tone of voice. They will also keep track of any other symptoms you experience, whether physical or emotional. They might also take several cognitive tests during the examination like remembering short lists or recognizing patterns.
Once the initial assessment is complete your psychiatrist will write a comprehensive report. This report will include a diagnostic and treatment options. The treatment options will be discussed with you in detail, so that you can make the best choice for yourself. Your psychiatrist will be able then to reach out to your GP to discuss how to proceed with your treatment.
The nurse or a staff member may be involved in the event that you are being evaluated in an institution. They will be able to talk with you about your concerns and, if needed to arrange any additional information or investigations you need. It can be a difficult and emotional moment for you, therefore it is crucial to be open and honest about what is going on.
The nursing component of the psychiatric assessment can be done either in a consensual outpatient appointment, or as a mental health act assessment where the patient might not be as willing to take part in an interview and this will be carried out by a certified mental health professional (usually a social worker, but psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists or clinical psychologists with the appropriate training can also carry out this role).
Once all the details have been collected, you will be able to make an appointment with your psychiatrist. It could be a consensual outpatient appointment or, in the case of the Covid-19 pandemic, a remote video meeting. The initial appointment typically lasts for an hour. If necessary the subsequent appointments may be shorter, but still face-toface.
Post-assessment
Psychologists provide a range of specialist services in addition to standard assessments. These include assessment and treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and forensic assessments and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They provide extended assessments to patients who need more time with their doctor.
These tests can be used to determine the level of mental distress or determine if they should be admitted under the Mental Health Act. The test is typically performed by a certified mental health professional like occupational therapist. However, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists with the appropriate training may also carry out the interview.
The test will comprise a mental status examination which is a planned method of asking questions about the current state of mind. It could also include questions about emotions, thoughts and behavior. In certain situations, the psychiatrist may want to take blood samples or do other medical tests. These tests could reveal crucial details about your health. They will be discussed with the patient.
After the evaluation has been completed the psychiatrist will draft a report, which will be mailed to your GP and any other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment. The report will include treatment recommendations and a diagnosis.
Depending on the symptoms you are experiencing the psychiatrist will advise you about whether medication is required and recommend other treatments, such as counseling or CBT. They will also ask you about your family history and your social life, and consider any other factors that may affect your mood. The AMHP will consider any needs you may have to support you during the examination, for example, an interpreter if your primary language is not English.
Many people choose to undergo an assessment for private psychiatric reasons due to the fact that NHS waiting lists are lengthy and their mental health can deteriorate during this period. Private psychiatric examinations can cost between PS300 and PS1200. You should check with your insurer about the costs and coverage of your policy. Alternatively, your GP can recommend you to a private psychiatrist or another mental health professional.