Taking a psychiatric history

Psychiatry: The Psychiatric History


1)Introduction

2)Presenting complaint

3)History of presenting illness
ØDuration
ØPrecipitating factors
ØEffect on interpersonal relationships
ØSeverity
ØTrigger factors
ØPrecipitating factors
oPhysical
Physical illness
Menopause
Periods
Childbirth
oAlcohol/drugs
oNon-compliance with medications
oPsychological
Life events
On-going stress
oSocial
Lack of social support
Financial problems
ØWorking capacity
ØDetails of treatment to date

4)Family History
ØParents (ages, occupations, relations with service user)
ØSiblings (ages occupations etc)
ØFamily psychiatric problems
ØFamily drug or alcohol abuse
ØFamily forensic encounters

5)Personal history
ØBirth (planned, delivery ok)
ØDevelopmental milestones
ØSchool – academic achievements, relations with teachers and peers
ØOccupations – how long, why left, currently employed
ØSexual
v Abuse – past or present
vOrientation
vMarriage/partner
vMenstruation, contraception, miscarriages, abortions, stillbirths
ØHabits
vAlcohol
vTobacco
vPrescribed Drugs
vRecreational drugs
ØReligion

6)Past psychiatric history
ØDates of illnesses
ØSymptoms
ØDiagnoses
ØTreatments
ØHospitalisations

7)Past medical/surgical history

8)Forensic history

9)Pre-morbid personality

ØCharacter
ØSocial relationships

10)Social history and current circumstances