Psychiatric asessment

[PurpleOne]

So what happens at one of these? Does anyone have any experience of this? What kind of questions do they ask?

Any advice or help greatly appreciated!

[loulou33]

You will probably get asked almost anything but every doctor/nurse is different in waht/how they ask. It also depends on why the assessment is being done. I am sssuming it is for yourself, and you want to seek help for MH difficulties. Sorry if i'm wrong there but here are some examples based on my assumptions...

1. Current difficulties - ie symptoms, feelings etc.
2. Past difficulties - ie any PND, childhood difficulties, bereavments, what you were like as a child, how you got on with your parents.
3. Your Family unit - ie hubby, children
4. Past relationship difficulties/strengths
5. Wider family issues - any MH difficulties in family, how are your siblings doing
6. Drug/alcohol use
7. Physical health
8. Work/employment history
9. Hobbies/interests

10. What have you tried to help yourself get better/others have offered you.
11. Current medications/ treatments
12. They will probably ask you about whether you have planned/thought about harming yourself to assess whether you are a risk to yourself...

Please don't panic! It can be quite an intrusive experience but also quite a relief if you have not had a chance to dsiscuss things before. It can also take more than one session and you should insist on taking a break from it if it gets too much. Its hard to tell you more based on what you've said - HTH

[ladylush]

Or it could be less detailed than that. An assessor will want to know about your mood, thoughts, unusual experiences (such as voices, hallucinations etc), perceptions, insight, sleep, appetite and energy level (eg. apathetic or over active). Also risk will be an important part of the assessment -risk you pose to others or yourself. Family psychiatric history will be explored. You'll be asked about any drug/alcohol history.

[scottishmummy]

most impoetantly will try put you at ease,try get a rapport.some specific questions eg your mood,thoughts,behaviours,recent experiences.what as a typical day/week been like

any medications
social/family situation

why has the Ax been requested? by whom

not necessarily intrusive.more exploratory.relax,be truthful.take time.

[Weegiemum]

I agree with whats been said here. It also takes about an hour, which can be pretty stressful if you are struggling. You are perfectly entitled to take someone with you if you want (though some psychiatrists don't want this as they are worried it will in hibit what you say). Last time I had one I took my dh as it helped me to talk more easily if he was there.

Don't be afraid to show your feelings/get upset if the questions are hard - there will be tissues! You can always take a break for a few minutes if you are finding things hard.

Hope it goes OK.

[PurpleOne]

Okay thanks for all of that.

Our cat gave birth today hence not coming back to this sooner.
Just wanted to know what sort of thing to expect - they're gonna be in for some hard, hard work when they meet me then!
I don't want to take anyone with me, (got noone to take anyways ) just wanted to know what sort of thing to expect.

The Ax has come from my alcohol keyworker. I already know I've had a prob with it for a long time - but he's not happy with the mood swings.

[ladylush]

Purpleone - I would advise you to be as truthful as possible in order to get the most out of the assessment. It is for your benefit. Also, whilst the assessor should be trying to establish a rapport with you they may not bother and just go through the motions asking you questions etc. Not how it should be, but better that you are prepared for that and go in the right frame of mind to get the support/opinion that you need. Hopefully the person you see will be welcoming and put you at ease - which will make things easier for you.