Attending Your First Psych Assessment: 4 Tips
If your GP has referred you to a psychiatrist for an examination or assessment, you may be worried about keeping the appointment. Many people have only ever seen a psychiatrist on TV shows and in movies, and this can create a false impression of what the assessment will be like. Below is a guide which will help you to prepare for psychiatric reporting.
Take a friend or family member
The most important thing you need to remember is that you do not need to attend your appointment alone. The psychiatrist will be happy for another person to sit in on your appointment so they can support you during your assessment. Having someone there to look after you can really help to reduce the amount of anxiety you may be feeling.
Remember, there are no wrong answers
During your psych exam, the doctor may ask you questions which will help them to assess your mental state. These questions might require you to carry out simple tasks such as naming a famous person, recalling the date or answering a mathematical question. Doing this may make you feel nervous as you may be worried that you will give the wrong answer. However, it is important to remember that there are no wrong answers. The doctor is not testing how clever you are, they simply want to assess your current mental capacity and state. You should try to answer the questions as best you can but do not worry if you do not know the answer.
Be honest
When the doctor asks you about how you are feeling, it is essential that you give honest answers. Sometimes, it can be hard to talk about difficult thoughts or feelings. However, the more that you withhold from the doctor, the more difficult it will be for them to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will not share what you tell them with others without your permission, and all records and medical notes will be kept under lock and key, so you do not need to worry about others finding out what you have said during your assessment.
Feel free to ask questions
A psych assessment should not be a one-way thing. As a patient, you should also feel free to ask the psychiatrist any questions you may have. If you have questions before your appointment, you should jot them down so you do not forget them.
For more info, contact a mental health professional today.