Importance of screening physical health in psychiatric evaluation

 

When conducting a psychiatric evaluation, it is essential to screen the patient’s physical health as it is the first step in diagnosis and treatment. The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is well-established. Poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems, while poor mental health can negatively impact physical health, increasing the risk of some conditions. In addition, some physical diseases are linked to psychotropic treatment. Consequently, individuals with serious mental illness experience a heightened rate of preventable and treatable physical illnesses and comorbidities such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

To screen physical health effectively, clinicians should ask the patient questions about their general health concerns. For example, what health concerns do they have, and have they noticed any changes in their health status? Additionally, it is essential to inquire about the patient’s sleeping habits over the past four weeks, including any changes or difficulty sleeping. Changes in appetite and eating habits should also be assessed, as this may indicate physical health issues.

In addition to asking these questions, the use of evidence-based rating scales in psychiatric evaluation can help clinicians to assess the patient’s mental health status and guide treatment decisions. Rating scales provide standardized measurements of symptom severity and can assist in identifying treatment targets and tracking the patient’s progress over time.

It is important to note that rating scales should be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation and an individualized treatment plan. They are not a substitute for a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s mental health status and should be used as a tool to aid in diagnosis and treatment decisions.