A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may be necessary to diagnose any number of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. An evaluation of a child, adolescent, or adult is made based on behaviors present and in relation to physical, genetic, environmental, social, cognitive (thinking), emotional and educational components that may be affected as a result of the behaviors presented.
Evaluation
Many times, families, spouses, or friends are the first to suspect that their loved one is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited to, problems with relationships with friends and/or family members, work, school, sleeping, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, coping, attentiveness and responsiveness. It is important for families who suspect a problem in one, or more, of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for mental health disorders is available.
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
The following are the most common components of a comprehensive, diagnostic psychiatric evaluation. However, each evaluation is different, as each individual's symptoms and behaviors are different. Evaluation may include the following:
- description of behaviors present (i.e., when do the behaviors occur, how long does the behavior last, what are the conditions in which the behaviors most often occur)
- description of symptoms noted (physical and psychiatric symptoms)
- effects of behaviors/symptoms as related to the following:
- work performance
- school performance
- relationships and interactions with others
- family involvement
- activity involvement
- psychiatric interview
- personal and family history of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders
- complete medical history
- laboratory tests including the following:
- blood tests
- x-rays
- educational assessments
- speech and language assessments
- psychological assessments
Evaluation of a Family Member
It is natural, and quite common, for spouses and family members to question themselves when it becomes necessary for a loved one to be psychiatrically evaluated, and may have many questions and concerns as to his/her welfare and emotional well-being. Common questions frequently asked include the following:
- What is wrong with my spouse/family member/loved one?
- Is he/she abnormal?
- Did i do something wrong in my relationship with him/her to cause this?
- Does he/she need to be hospitalized?
- Will he/she require treatment?
- Will he/she "outgrow" or stop performing these behaviors at some point?
- Is this just "a phase" he/she is going through?
- What will treatment cost?
- Where do we go for help?
- What does this diagnosis mean?
- How can my family become involved?
Once a diagnosis is made, family involvement and active participation in treatment is extremely important for any individual with a mental health disorder. The physician will address questions and provide reassurance by working with you to establish long- and short-term treatment goals for your loved one.
You may obtain a psychiatric evaluation by making an appointment with any of Beaumont's board certified psychiatrists. Should you need a psychiatrist, please visit Beaumont's
Physician Referral and Information Services online or call 1-800-633-7377.