1. Psychiatry interview History Taking
Dr. Ahmad AlHadi
Consultant, Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist

2. Outlines Aims of the interview (Why) General Tips (How)
Contents of Psychiatry History (What)
Demonstration (How)

3. Psychiatric Interview (aims)
Obtain information
Understand the person with the illness
Form a therapeutic relationship
Assess the emotions and attitudes of the patient
Provide the patient with information about the illness, treatment recommendations, and prognosis.

4. Psychiatric Interview (general advice)
Putting the patient at ease : * place : not to be overheard * arrangements for seating * greet the patient by name * introduce yourself with your own name and your role * explain

5. Psychiatric Interview… (general advice)
Starting the interview : * begin with a general question * to avoid closed questions and leading questions
Proceeding with the interview : * to keep the patient to relevant topics, while letting him talk freely

6. Psychiatric Interview… (general advice)
Non-verbal communication : * the interviewer’s non-verbal cues are important in guiding the interview
Finishing the interview

7. The Psychiatric History
Identifying data: name, age, sex, marital status, education, occupation, address, …
Reason for referral
Chief Complaints

8. The Psychiatric History
Hx of Present Illness (HPI): * patient’s description of the problem. * details of the nature of the problem.
* present severity of the symptoms other relevant problems
* onset and course
* associated Sx
* Ask about: Organicity, Substance, Suicide, vegetative Sx

9. The Psychiatric History
Past psychiatric history:
Previous episodes
Previous treatments: ECT, Psychotherapy
Previous admissions

10. The Psychiatric History…
Family history: * parents: age, occupation, personality, relationship with the patient * sibling: * social position; atmosphere of the home * Hx of mental disorder or drug abuse

11. The Psychiatric History…
Personal history: * mother’s pregnancy and birth * early development * childhood separation, emotional problems * schooling and higher education * occupations * sexual relationships

12. The Psychiatric History…
Personal history… * menstrual history * marriage * children * forensic history
Past medical history: * Chronic Illnesses and Tx
*Admissions

13. The Psychiatric History…
Premorbid personality: * relationships * leisure activities * prevailing mood * attitudes, standards * habits
Drugs, alcohol, tobacco

14. Any Questions