Psychiatric Assessment

[Olimar]

I'm about to have a psychiatric assessment and I'm really anxious about it. Has anyone else had one? What kind of questions will I be asked? How long will it take? I have a massive fear it is going to go badly!

Hi Olimar, can you say more about why you are having the assessment, not specifics but is it following a referral; from your GP? Or with a crisis team or specialist team? Have you been assessed previously? Depending on the reasons for your assessment it will likely take between 45 and 90 minutes if its a first assessment but that does depend on the circumstances. Please try not to worry, they will ask you lots of questions about your symptoms and likely your personal history (life story), what you have tried previously (if anything). Its their job to help you feel ok about talking and reassure you. if you tell them you are feeing very anxious about the assessment that will help them ensure they support you in the right way.

The assessment has been requested by the court

Still likely to be similar to above, they will ask about your life story, any history of mental illness (yourself and your family), any previous offending. They will also ask you to talk about what happened (the crime you are accused of). At the start, the psychiatrist will explain the process and how the information will be used, and will get your consent to proceed.

Sometimes the court asks for a report before sentencing to see if mental health issues provide any mitigation or whether treatment should be part of your sentence. Sometimes the report is requested much earlier in the process - e.g to check that you are fit to plead or if you have a mental health defence. If mental health issues are likely to be brought up at trial you may find that you will have assessments by two or more psychiatrists.

The psychiatrists doing the assessments are different to your treating psychiatrist (if you have one). You'll probably only meet them once or twice. They will probably also look at the other papers to do with your court case before they write their report.

I should have said it's family court, I haven't committed any crimes!

But I had the assessment and it was quite like you said. Lots of questions about my past and present symptoms.i have to wait a couple of weeks now for the full report but he diagnosed bipolar and autism, which I already knew about, plus ADHD and social anxiety.