What Happens During a Psychiatric Evaluation?
While it may sound intimidating, a psychiatric evaluation is a very simple and relatively short process. You will sit down with your provider, who will ask you about your symptoms, concerns, and your overall health and well-being. From there, your provider can then design the most effective treatment plan possible. Some of the things that you can expect to potentially be a part of your evaluation include:
- Questions from your provider about your thoughts and feelings. They will also ask questions about your health history.
- Filling out forms about your health history, family history, past mental health treatment, and your lifestyle.
- Taking tests, such as cognitive tests, can help identify the causes of your symptoms.
- Referral to another provider for additional treatment, such as a therapist for behavioral or talk therapy.
How do I Know if I Need a Psychiatric Evaluation?
Experiencing difficult or unpleasant feelings is normal from time to time. This is true whether it is stress from work or sadness over a sudden life change. Even an occasional mood swing. But when these emotions are frequent and linger for 6 months or more, they can interfere with every area of your life. This means, work or school to your personal relationships. If you aren’t sure if you need a psychiatric evaluation, here are some signs that you should consider scheduling one at Advaita Integrated Medicine: Advaita Integrated Medicine to see if you are in need of our services in Raleigh, NC:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or depression
- Frequent or sudden mood swings
- Extreme highs or lows in your mood
- Having confused thinking
- Experiencing delusions, hallucinations, or psychosis
- Withdrawing from spending time with others
- Having problems sleeping, or sleeping too much
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Strong or inappropriate feelings of guilt or anger
- Problems concentrating on normal, everyday tasks
- Confused thinking, delusions, or hallucinations
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
One of the things that can sometimes hold people back when they are wondering how to get a psychiatric evaluation is embarrassment or fear of being seen in a negative light by others. It is important to realize that there is no shame in seeking help for your mental health whenever you need it. In fact, it is essential to get help sooner rather than later, as it will only help you to regain your normal life – and help prevent your symptoms from getting worse.
