Parent Magazine Volusia/Flagler June 2019 | Page 14

AN INFORMED CHOICE
Before establishing a relationship with any mental
health professional, make certain the person has
training and experience in your area of concern. This
could include alcohol, depression, gambling, domestic
violence, family therapy, or marriage counseling.
Also, you have the right to choose a professional who
can meet your cultural concerns. For example, if you’re
a woman dealing with domestic violence issues, feel
free to ask for a female therapist. But a therapist
doesn’t necessarily have to be like you to be able to
help you. What’s 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.
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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
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
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