Obtaining the History of Present Illness
Obtaining the History of Present Illness Essential Questions What has been happening over the past week or two that has brought you into the clinic? Have there been any events…
Practical Psychodynamics in the Diagnostic Interview
Practical Psychodynamics in the Diagnostic Interview Essential Concepts Assess your patient’s degree of reality distortion. Detect negative transference and move beyond it. Identify defense mechanisms and coping responses. Use your…
Techniques for Other Challenging Situations
Techniques for Other Challenging Situations Essential Concepts The hostile patient. The seductive patient. The tearful patient. Be firm, fair, and understanding. Hold the reins in one hand and a lump…
Interviewing Family Members and Other Informants
Interviewing Family Members and Other Informants Essential Concepts Try to have some contact with informants as part of all your initial evaluations. Develop an efficient approach to asking informants questions…
Techniques for the Adolescent Patient*
Techniques for the Adolescent Patient* Essential Concepts Involve the family. Overcome the “I don’t know” syndrome. Develop strategies for asking about drugs, sex, and conduct problems. Don’t laugh at a…
Techniques for the Malingering Patient
Techniques for the Malingering Patient Essential Concepts Rule out malingering in Patients on disability Patients involved in litigation related to a psychiatric condition Patients seeking a prescription for a controlled…
Techniques for the Overly Talkative Patient
Techniques for the Overly Talkative Patient Essential Concepts Use closed-ended and multiple-choice questions to limit the flow. Perfect the art of the gentle interruption. Educate the patient about the need…
Techniques for the Reluctant Patient
Techniques for the Reluctant Patient Essential Concepts Use open-ended questions and commands to increase the flow of information. Use continuation techniques to keep the flow coming. Shift to neutral ground…
Asking Questions III: How to Change Topics with Style
Asking Questions III: How to Change Topics with Style Essential Concepts Use smooth transitions to cue off something the patient just said. Use referred transitions to cue off something said…
Asking Questions II: Tricks for Improving Patient Recall
Asking Questions II: Tricks for Improving Patient Recall Essential Concepts Anchor questions to memorable events. Tag questions with specific examples. Describe syndromes in your patient’s terms. Uttering a word is…
