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Psychiatric History-Taking

Past Psychiatric History

Psychiatric Illness

Diagnosis, symptoms, severity, management
Mood Disorders

Depression, bipolar affective disorder
Anxiety Disorders

GAD, PTSD, OCD, phobias, panic disorder
Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, pica
Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia, drug-induced psychosis
Personality Disorders
Autism
Intellectual Disability
Psychiatric Drugs

Which drugs, who prescribes them, effect
Admissions

When, why, length of stay, treatment received
Impact

On work and relationships

Forensic History

Aggressive behaviour

Circumstances, context, injury sustained
Criminal Charges / Convictions

Probation, jail time, fines

Past Medical History

Systems Review

Medical issues may mimic psych problems
Past Medical Issues

Especially chronic disease

Medications

Family History

Mental Illness

Psychiatric treatment, self-harm, suicide
Deceased Family Members

Circumstances, patient's response, effect

Substance History

Have an index of suspicion; find out longitudinal and specific information with details and examples
Substances Used

Alcohol, marijuana, amphetamine, opioids, others
Amount Consumed

Period & pattern of abuse
Tolerance

Amount needed to reach the desired effect
Withdrawal Symptoms

What symptoms, severity
Attempts to Cut Down

Level of success, length of abstinence
Salience of Abuse

Time spent obtaining, using or recovering from
Complications

Physical / psychological
Impact on Work / Relationships

Regrets, extreme situations

Developmental History

Pregnancy, Delivery

Known complications
Childhood

Milestones, neglect / abuse / trauma
Schooling

Where, what level reached
Separations / Losses

And their consequences

Social History

Relationships and Support

Family, friends
Coping Strategies

Response to stress and adversity
Work history

Current and past jobs
Marital / Relationship History

Current and past relationships
Current interests

Level of continued enjoyment

On this page: Presenting Complaint Past Psychiatric History Forensic History Past Medical History Medications Family History Substance History Developmental History Social History

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