Psychiatric Interviewing and Assessment

by Robert Poole , Robert Higgo

• ISBN13: 9780521671194
• ISBN10: 0521671191
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-04-03
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This book will help mental health professionals to develop the fundamental generic skills in interviewing and assessment which form the foundation of psychiatric practice. It is about the process of reaching a diagnosis and is a practical guide to help the reader make the transition from novice to competent clinician. It is based on real problems encountered in modern general adult psychiatric practice, and is set in a range of environments, in the clinic and in the community. The text is punctuated by a selection of case studies to illustrate the principles highlighted in the book. This book will be essential reading for all members of the mental health team. Its practical grounding in everyday clinical experience will appeal to trainee psychiatrists and more experienced clinicians alike, as well as to nurses, social workers and psychologists.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Part I. What Am I Trying to Find Out Here?: 1. Diagnosis

2. History

3. Mental state and psychopathology

4. Cognitive state assessment and organic disease

Part II. The Main Principles of One to One Interviewing: 5. Office based psychiatric assessment

6. Understanding and managing relationships with patients

Part III. The Difficult Interview: 7. Difficulties relating to psychosis

8. Unpopular patients

Part IV: Self awareness

9. Values and beliefs

10. Culture

11. Who should I be?

Part V. Out of the Clinic: 12. Interviewing with other team members

13. Interviewing families and other informants

14. In the community

Part VI. Drawing it all Together: 15. Personality

16. Risk and safety

17. Note keeping, letters and reports

Afterword: Getting alongside patients.