Getting a psychiatric evaluation is an important step in receiving the treatment you need for a mental health condition. Psychiatric evaluations can be more than that; they can open up an avenue for relief and understanding for a person who is struggling. However, the positives of this diagnostic tool are often overshadowed by the stigma and misunderstanding of mental health disorders and conditions. For many people, being told that they might benefit from a psychiatric evaluation is akin to being told that they are going to be locked up and have the key thrown away.
The truth is a psychiatric evaluation, much like mental health treatment in general, is quite different than how it is portrayed in popular media. The goal of mental health care is to provide care while respecting the individual who needs it. It’s especially important in mental health care and treatment facilities like Driftwood Recovery, which focus on inspiring healing and self-confidence in their clients. To receive this level of care, everyone begins with a psychiatric evaluation. As you understand exactly what that entails, you may find yourself less afraid and more interested in what this tool could offer you or a loved one.
Why You Might Need a Psychiatric Evaluation
A psychiatric evaluation is an essential diagnostic tool. Psychiatrists also use psychiatric evaluations to determine if your symptoms stem from physical or psychological causes. Sometimes, a mental health condition can be caused by both. Psychiatrists use the data gathered from a psychiatric evaluation and any additional ordered tests to diagnose and treat any mental health disorders.
If you are already struggling with a diagnosed mental health condition, mental health care facilities will conduct a psychiatric evaluation to determine your current status and make an accurate treatment plan. For those not currently in treatment, a psychiatric evaluation can solve the mystery of why you may suddenly be feeling bad or down. If you struggle with symptoms that persist for over two weeks, it may be time to schedule a psychiatric evaluation. These symptoms can include:
- Lack of sleep or oversleeping
- Persistent feelings of doom, despair, and fear
- A desire to self-harm or thoughts of suicide and death
- Being unable to find the energy to care for essential needs, such as hygiene and eating
- Outbursts of uncontrollable emotions that impact your daily life, such as anger, frustration, and sadness
Experiencing any of these symptoms denotes the need to speak to a psychiatrist immediately or a psychiatric evaluation.
Tips to Prepare Before an Evaluation
A psychiatric evaluation involves answering a lot of questions. Though a psychiatrist won’t rush you, people tend to feel less nervous if they have their thoughts together beforehand. The more information you have before you go into a psychiatric evaluation, the more accurate a diagnosis you will get.
Some tips that will help you prepare are:
- Have your family history ready, as some mental health disorders can be hereditary
- Write down any thoughts and symptoms you are experiencing regarding your mental and physical health
- Have your medical history prepared. Include the medications you take as well as any tests or medical procedures you’ve already had
- Write down questions you’d like to ask the psychiatrist before and after the psychiatric evaluation
What Happens During a Psychiatric Evaluation?
During a psychiatric evaluation, the psychiatrist performs what is known as a clinical interview. This involves asking you questions and recording your answers. Depending on the answers, the psychiatrist may order additional tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions. During the psychiatric evaluation, the psychiatrist will do their best to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable. It’s normal to feel nervous at first, but remember that the psychiatrist is here to help you.
The psychiatrist will ask you questions about your feelings, family history, and any symptoms you are experiencing. Examples include:
- “What was your childhood like?”
- “Do you have difficulty falling or staying asleep?”
- “Has anyone in your family committed suicide?”
Though some questions can be upsetting, It’s important to be honest during the psychiatric evaluation so the psychiatrist can accurately determine a diagnosis. However, you still have rights during the process, and you are allowed to take the time to gather your thoughts. You will not be judged or belittled during the psychiatric evaluation. The job of the psychiatrist is to evaluate your mental state to see if it matches any known mental health disorders so you can get the treatment you need.
What Happens Next?
After the psychiatric evaluation is completed, the psychiatrist will be able to give you a diagnosis. At Driftwood Recovery, a treatment plan will be created once other assessments are completed. You will continue to work with a psychiatrist during treatment, especially if you require additional medical care or prescription medications. If you feel as though your diagnosis is not accurate, you have the right to seek a second opinion. Once your diagnosis is confirmed, now it’s working with your treatment providers to create a care plan.
Depending on where you receive treatment, your treatment plan may vary. Driftwood Recovery is a holistic-focused treatment facility, so a treatment-plan post psychiatric evaluation will include treatments such as nutritional therapy, therapeutic recreation, and evidence-based psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The psychiatrist, along with a time of expert providers, will work with you to create a treatment plan that fulfills your needs and achieves your recovery goals.
Driftwood Recovery, as a facility, works to make sure all treatments and evaluations are safe, accurate, and effective. That includes psychiatric evaluations and other diagnostic tools. At Driftwood Recovery, you can count on your information being safe and private. It takes one step to start a journey, and in no time at all, you will find that recovery is not as scary as you’d think.
When providing mental health care, it is important to get an accurate picture of an individual’s mental state. To do so, mental health professionals use what is called a psychiatric evaluation. This allows professionals to give clients a full comprehensive evaluation so they can receive the customized care they need to recover. It may sound scary, but it’s a straightforward procedure that helps countless people get the care they need. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, we use psychiatric evaluations along with other tools to provide the care you need to succeed. To learn more about the process of client evaluation and enrolling, don’t wait. Driftwood Recovery can help. Call (512) 759-8330 today.