Assessments

Question 1

What is the clinical interview?

Answer 1

This is a method of assessment used my most psychiatric clinicians. It gathers info about current and past behaviour, attitudes, emotions as well as a detailed history of the patient’s life.

Question 2

The Mental Status Exam

Answer 2

This is a part of the clinical interview. Here the clinician systematically observes the individual’s behaviour. The MSE includes: Appearance and behaviour, thought processes, mood and affect, intellectual functioning and sensorium.

Question 3

Sensorium (patient)

Answer 3

Awareness of surroundings in terms of person, time and place (three things to be aware off). E.g. oriented times three.

Question 4

Appearance and behaviour (patient)

Answer 4

Overt behaviour, attire, appearance, posture and expressions. E.g. persistent twitch, appearance is appropriate.

Question 5

Intellectual functioning (of the patient)

Answer 5

Type of vocabulary uses abstractions and metaphors. E.g intelligence is within normal limit.

Question 6

Self monitoring/self observation

Answer 6

Method of assessment. Here the individual can observe their own behaviour to find patterns. E.g. people trying to quit smoking may write down how many cigarettes they have in a day and where they smoke them. This method may help give a clear picture of how big the problem is.