History Taking - Psych Flashcards
Key Psychiatric symptoms to ask about:
Low mood,
Self harm/suicidal ideation,
Elevated mood and energy,
Anxiety, panic attacks or phobias,
Delusions and hallucinations,
Obsessions and compulsion,
Issues around food and weight.
What acronym is used when exloring psychiatric symptoms?
NOTEPAD:
Nature,
Onset,
Triggers,
Exacerbating/ relieving factors,
Progression,
Associated symptoms,
Disibility
Questions to ask about self harm?
Was there a precipitating event?
Was the harm planned or impulsive?
Any final acts carried out?
Any precautions taken against discovery?
Was alcohol used?
Were they alone?
Where were they?
What was going through their mind?
Did they think it was going to end their life?
What did they do straight after?
Did patient call anyone?
How did they feel when help arrived?
How do they feel now? regret?
Current mood?
Suicidal?
If they were to go home today, what would they do?
If were to feel like this again what may they do differently?
Does patient feel like there is anything to live for?
Will patient accept treatment?
Questions to ask about overdose?
What meds did patient take?
Where did they get medications from?
How much did the patient take?
What did they take the medication with?
What did they think that amount of medication would do?
What made patient take OD?
What did patient do after taking medication?
How did they get to hospital?
Specific questions to ask about cutting?
Where are they cuts?
How many cuts are there?
How deep are the cuts?
How did patient feel whilst cutting?
How did the blood make them feel?
What were they hoping the cutting would do?
How to screen for other mental health disorders?
Depression - anhedonia, low mood and fatigue,
Psychosis - thought insertion, auditory hallucinations,
Anorexia - Eating habits, weight loss and appetite
Questions to ask about mania/hypomania?
Noticed change in energy levels or mood?
Describe the change?
More irritable/impatient than usual?
How is their sleep at the moment?
Appitite?
What is on your mind at the moment?
Questions to ask if you suspect hullications?
Do you ever hear voices when there is nobody else there?
Do you feel like someone/something is touching you when nothing is there.
Feel like you’ve been assaulted even if no one is there?
Felt insects crawling beneath your skin?
Questions to ask if you suspect delusions?
These are fixed beliefs out keeping with regional/cultural norms.
Do you sometimes have thoughts that others tell you are false?
Thought withdrawal - is there anyone taking thoughts out of your head?
Thought insertion? - Anyone putting thoughts into your head?
Thought broadcasting? - Can anyone hear your thoughts?
CAGE questions to ask about alcohol use
ever felt you caught to Cut down?
have people Annoyed you by critising your drinking?
ever felt Guilty about drinking?
Eye opener - have you ever felt you need a drink first thing in the morning?
Mental state exam?
Observe patient appearance and behavior
Speech - rate, tone, quantity, volume, fluency.
Mood and affect - ask about sleeping, appetite, energy. Any risk behaviors?
Though form/content. - What’s been on your mind? Ever feel like thoughts are being put into/out of your head, being broadcasted?
Perception - See/hear things others don’t?
Cognition - orientation?
Insite and judgement - do you think you have a problem? what would you do if you smelt smoke in house?
Risk assessment - harm to self or others?
ASMTPCIR
