To ask if it’s usual for a consultant psychiatrist to comment on weight

[User6282828]

I’ve finally received my letter from my assessment back in early March. There is a comment made about my appearance that I appear underweight. This wasn’t raised with me at the time.

[TwerkForTeachers]

YourYou're seeingseeing a psychiatrist for mental health issues. Being significantly under or over weight can be a mental health issue.

[StillCoughingandLaughing]

I wouldn’t think it was that unusual. Being underweight can be a sign of stress.

[JudithGrimes]

Yes very common for them to ask

[Puddlejuice]

Your appearance forms part of their assessment, totally normal to comment on your weight and how kempt you are.

[Appuskidu]

Definitely something they will pick up on.

[Percephone]

Appearance and behaviour forms part of the mental state examination. Appearing underweight would usually be documented as part of this.

[TheHarryFormerlyKnownAsPrince]

Yes, the assessment includes your physical appearance and demeanour. Other things could be commented on - whether you’re dressed appropriately, whether you have personally hygiene, etc - as these can give clues as to your mood and mental state.

[Fizzydrinks123]

Yes, very normal comment and medical people survey and document a lot from a single glance ie. will notice an unusual gait as a patient walks into a room.

Some observations may or may not be relevant to the appointment, but they will document what they believe may be relevant without necessarily discussing during the meeting.

[Chandler12]

Yes, incredibly common.

[Iwalkinmyclothing]

Yes, very common.

[MPForFlydaleNorth]

Yes very common and appropriate.

[User6282828]

Thank you I would have thought if they were concerned enough to mention it in the appointment they would have brought it up with me.

[User6282828]

Appointment letter*

[DamnYankee]

Normal. I do it myself and I'm in speech therapy.
I might write: "Client appears agitated: fidgets constantly."

[MrsTerryPratchett]

HCPs write a lot of notes because if they think of something down the line, they can refer back. It's all just information.

[villamariavintrapp]

Yes it's part of their assessment. They might not be concerned about it, but useful to have it documented in case next time they see you they think something different.

[myself2020]

Perfectly normal, as its part of the complete person. They will also comment on (lack of) personal care, hesitant behaviour, tics, fidgeting etc