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.

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

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

Yes very common for them to ask

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

Definitely something they will pick up on.

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

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.

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.

Yes, incredibly common.

Yes, very common.

Yes very common and appropriate.

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.

Appointment letter*

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

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

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.

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