Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations may be needed to diagnose 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 parts that may be affected as a result of these behaviors.
Sometimes in addiction, symptoms of some mental health issues closely mimic those of active substance abuse, or withdrawal from substances or alcohol. It is imperative to get an accurate diagnosis, which is why we evaluate every individual who enters our care, to make sure they are getting the best possible treatment.
What is Involved In Comprehensive Outpatient Psychiatric Evaluations?
These are the most common parts of a comprehensive, diagnostic outpatient psychiatric evaluation. But, each evaluation is different, as each person’s symptoms and behaviors are different. Evaluation may include:
- Description of behaviors (like when do the behaviors happen, how long does the behavior last, what are the conditions in which the behaviors most often happen)
- Description of symptoms (physical and psychiatric symptoms)
- Effects of behaviors or symptoms related to:
- Work performance
- School performance
- Relationships and interactions with others (like spouse, coworkers, family members, or neighbors)
- Family involvement
- Activity involvement
- Psychiatric interview
- Personal and family history of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders
- Complete medical history, including description of the person’s overall physical health, list of any other illnesses or conditions present, and any current treatments
- Lab tests, in some cases (may be used to determine if an underlying medical condition is present), including:
- Blood tests
- Radiology studies to look for abnormalities, particularly in the brain structures
- Educational assessments
- Speech and language assessments
- Psychological assessments
