Psychiatric Evaluation

Psychiatric evaluations consider all your symptoms and medical history to give you an accurate diagnosis. At Gorman Medical, PC, with offices in Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek, Colorado, the primary care and pain management specialists provide complete patient care, including psychiatric evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and referrals to mental health professionals who can provide you with the best treatment. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is a psychiatric evaluation? 

A psychiatric evaluation is an appointment with a highly trained medical professional that provides an in-depth assessment of your mental health. This type of evaluation can accurately diagnose mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders and provide treatment solutions. 

When might I need a psychiatric evaluation?

You might need a psychiatric evaluation if you’re going through a challenging period or your loved ones have voiced their concerns about your mental health. You might benefit from a psychiatric evaluation if you have persistent problems with the following:

• Sadness
• Anxiety
• Grief
• Anger
• Dramatic mood swings
• Problems interacting with others
• Disruptive behaviors
• Difficulties at work or school
• Substance use
• Frequent preoccupation with death 
• Suicidal thoughts
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Difficulty separating reality from imaginary

A psychiatric evaluation can give you answers and help you take the first step toward treatment. 

What happens during a psychiatric evaluation?

Psychiatric evaluations consider all aspects of your health and wellness so your provider can accurately determine the source of your symptoms. These evaluations generally include:

Physical exam

A physical exam can identify physical problems that may mimic mental disorders. For example, thyroid and neurological problems may cause symptoms of depression and anxiety. But, once diagnosed and treated at their source, symptoms recede. Your physical exam may include lab testing.

Mental health history

Your mental health history involves discussing past challenges and how you dealt with them. Your provider may ask about personal and family history during your assessment, as some mental disorders run in families.

Lifestyle discussion

Lifestyle discussions cover many topics, like your career, stress level, relationships, and upbringing. This information helps your provider create a clear picture of things that may play into your mental health.

Mental health questions

Your provider asks many specific questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to better understand what you’re facing. Questions also cover how you manage your symptoms when they occur.

Cognitive tests

Cognitive tests check your brain function and determine how well you can recognize, focus, remember things, and problem-solve. 

Combining this information yields an accurate depiction of your mental health and helps your provider determine your diagnosis. With the correct diagnosis, you can begin treatment to recover quickly. Gorman Medical, PC, offers a referral to the mental health specialist who can best address your personal needs. 

Schedule your psychiatric evaluation at Gorman Medical, PC, by calling the office or clicking the online scheduler now.