What is a psychiatric evaluation?

A psychiatric evaluation is done to look for disorders that involve emotions, behaviors, or development. In a child, teen, or adult, it's based on physical, social, and thinking (cognitive) behaviors. And it also looks at genes and and a person's environment.

Who is evaluated?

Families, spouses, teachers, or friends are often the first to suspect that their loved one has a mental health problem. This is often because the loved one may act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include problems in their relationships with family or friends. Or the person may have problems with work, school, sleeping, or eating. It can also cause problems with things like substances, expressing emotions, and attention.

It's important for families who see a problem to seek treatment as soon as possible.

What is involved in a psychiatric evaluation?

Each appraisal is different because each person's symptoms and behaviors are different. In general, it may include:

• Description of behaviors. This includes when they happen, how long they last, and what sets them off.

• Symptoms (physical and mental health).

• How behavior affects work, school, and relationships.

• Interviews.

• Personal and family health and mental health history.

• Complete health history. This includes overall physical health, illnesses or conditions, and any current treatments.

• Lab tests and in some cases imaging studies. These may be used to find out if the person has a health condition. Tests may include:

  • Blood tests.

  • Imaging studies to look for problems, especially in the brain.

• Assessments of school behaviors, speech and language, and mental health.

When a family member is being evaluated

It's quite common for spouses and family members to question themselves when a loved one needs to be seen by a psychiatrist. You may have many questions and concerns about their well-being. Common questions include:

• What is wrong with my spouse, family member, or loved one?

• Did I do something wrong to cause this?

• Do they need to go to the hospital?

• Will they need treatment?

• Will they "outgrow" or stop these behaviors?

• Is this just "a phase"?

• How can I help them get better? 

• What will treatment cost?

• Where do we go for help?

• What does this diagnosis mean?

• How can my family become involved?

Family members can be very important for any person with a mental health problem. The care team will answer questions and give support by working with you to set long-term and short-term treatment goals for your loved one.