most important is that the therapist is someone you feel
comfortable talking to honestly and who seems to care
about your well-being.
COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION
What is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may be needed
to diagnose emotional, behavioral, or developmental
disorders. An evaluation is made based on behaviors
present and in relation to physical, genetic,
environmental, social, cognitive (thinking), emotional,
and educational parts that may be affected as a result
of these behaviors.
What is involved in a comprehensive psychiatric
evaluation?
These are the most common parts of a comprehensive,
diagnostic psychiatric evaluation. But, each evaluation is
different, as each person’s symptoms and behaviors are
different. Evaluation may include:
» » Description of behaviors (when do the behaviors
happen, how long does the behavior last, what are
the conditions in which the behaviors most often
happen)
» » Description of symptoms (physical and psychiatric
symptoms)
» » Effects of behaviors or symptoms related to:
• Work performance
• Relationships and interactions with others
(spouse, coworkers, family members, or
neighbors)
• Family involvement
• Activity involvement
» » Psychiatric interview
» » Personal and family history of emotional,
behavioral, or developmental disorders
» » Complete medical history, including description of
the person’s overall physical health, list of any other
illnesses or conditions present, and any current
treatments
» » Lab tests, in some cases (may be used to determine
12 | S T. J O H N S H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S M A G A Z I N E
if an underlying medical condition is present),
including:
• Blood tests
• Radiology studies to look for abnormalities,
particularly in the brain structures
• Educational assessments
• Speech and language assessments
• Psychological assessments
WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER IS BEING EVALUATED
It’s natural, and quite common, for spouses and
family members to question themselves when it
becomes necessary for a loved one to be psychiatrically
evaluated. You may have many questions and concerns
as to his or her welfare and emotional well-being.
Common questions include:
» » What is wrong with my spouse, family member, or
loved one?
» » Is he or she abnormal?
» » Did I do something wrong in my relationship with
him or her to cause this?
» » Does he or she need to be hospitalized?
» » Will he or she need treatment?
» » Will he or she “outgrow” or stop performing these
behaviors at some point?
» » Is this just “a phase” he or she is going through?
» » How can I help him or her get better?
» » What will treatment cost?
» » Where do we go for help?
» » What does this diagnosis mean?
» » How can my family become involved?
Once a diagnosis is made, family involvement and active
participation in treatment are very important for any
person with a mental health disorder.
The primary healthcare provider or mental health
practitioner will address questions and provide