Lecture 2_interview Flashcards
What are the two main parts of a psychiatric interview?
History taking and mental state assessment.
Name three interview techniques that improve detection of mental illness.
Listening, clarifying, asking for examples; not interrupting early; starting with open-ended questions.
What is an example of an open-ended question to start an interview?
“How are you feeling?”
What is the difference between ‘understanding’ and ‘explanation’ in psychiatric interviews?
Understanding: Empathize with reasons for experiences (e.g., grief). Explanation: Seek causes (e.g., biological factors).
Why should ‘why’ questions be avoided?
They may provoke defensiveness. Use ‘who, what, when, how much, how many’ instead.
How to phrase a question about drinking cessation to encourage autonomy?
“What steps might you take to give up drinking?” (Avoid “how are you going to…”).
What should you avoid when interviewing a paranoid patient?
Arguing against delusions or laughing. Prioritize respecting their underlying terror.
What is a key risk of paranoid delusions?
Potential danger (e.g., violence).
How to approach a patient with somatization?
Build trust, respect symptoms, set goals, regular follow-ups, minimize medicalization, focus on positives.
First step in managing an acutely aggressive patient?
Use de-escalation techniques.
When is restraint/seclusion appropriate?
Only with sufficient trained staff. Monitor mental status/vitals afterward.
Medication for sedation if a violent patient refuses oral drugs?
IM haloperidol (5mg) ± lorazepam (1-2mg IM/oral).
What does the PDF note about the term ‘insomnia’?
It is jargon (avoid unless clarified).
Critical principle for questions in psychiatric interviews?
Follow the patient’s line of interest to avoid alienation.
How to terminate seclusion/restraint?
Gradually (“in a graded manner”) after monitoring.
What does the PDF imply about violence management?
Not solely psychiatry’s responsibility (requires collaboration).
