P SYCHIATRIC DISORDERS (M ENTAL I LLNESSES ) C LINICAL A SSESSMENT

C LINICAL A SSESSMENT The Psychiatric History The Mental State Examination Physical Examination Investigations Differential Diagnosis

T HE P SYCHIATRIC H ISTORY Presenting complaint History of presenting compliant Past psychiatric history Past medical history Medication history Family history Personal history Social history Drug and alcohol history Forensic history Premorbid personality

M ENTAL S TATE E XAMINATION Appearance and Behaviour Speech Mood and affect Thoughts Perception Cognitive state Insight

P HYSICAL E XAMINATION, PHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS, PSYCHOMETRY Physical examination and investigations Full physical examination Blood pressure Levels of consciousness Appropriate laboratory investigations Psychological investigations

D IFFERENTIAL D IAGNOSIS Compiling a differential diagnosis is the first step in diagnostic process Redefining the diagnosis is the next step in which a provisional diagnosis is m ade