1. What are the four main components of a psychiatric assessment? (4 marks) Answer: The four main components of a psychiatric assessment are: - History: This includes the patient's personal, family, medical, and psychiatric history, as well as their current symptoms, stressors, coping skills, and goals. - Mental status examination: This is a systematic observation of the patient's appearance, behavior, mood, affect, speech, thought process, thought content, perception, cognition, insight, and judgment. - Physical examination: This is a general examination of the patient's vital signs, organ systems, and neurological functions to rule out any medical causes or complications of their mental condition. - Diagnostic tests: These are laboratory tests, imaging studies, or psychological tests that may help to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis or to monitor the patient's response to treatment. 2. What are the three main types of psychiatric interviews and when are they used? (6 marks) Answer: The three main types of psychiatric interviews are: - Screening interview: This is a brief interview that aims to identify the presence or absence of a mental disorder or a need for further evaluation. It is usually used in primary care settings or in emergency situations. - Diagnostic interview: This is a comprehensive interview that aims to establish a diagnosis or a differential diagnosis based on the criteria of a diagnostic manual such as the DSM-5 or the ICD-10. It is usually used in specialty mental health settings or in research settings. - Therapeutic interview: This is an ongoing interview that aims to establish a therapeutic alliance, explore the patient's problems and feelings, and facilitate change and recovery. It is usually used in psychotherapy or counseling settings. 3. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using structured or semi-structured interviews versus unstructured interviews for psychiatric diagnosis? (10 marks) Answer: Some of the advantages and disadvantages of using structured or semi-structured interviews versus unstructured interviews for psychiatric diagnosis are: - Advantages of structured or semi-structured interviews: They are more reliable, valid, and standardized than unstructured interviews. They ensure that all relevant information is covered and that no important details are missed. They reduce the influence of interviewer bias or subjectivity. They facilitate communication and documentation among clinicians and researchers. - Disadvantages of structured or semi-structured interviews: They are more time-consuming, rigid, and artificial than unstructured interviews. They may limit the rapport and flexibility between the interviewer and the patient. They may overlook some aspects of the patient's individuality, context, or complexity. They may not capture the nuances or subtleties of the patient's experience. 4. What are some of the common rating scales or instruments that are used to measure the severity or outcome of psychiatric disorders? Give an example for each of the following categories: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. (10 marks) Answer: Some of the common rating scales or instruments that are used to measure the severity or outcome of psychiatric disorders are: - Mood disorders: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), MontgomeryAsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM). - Anxiety disorders: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Generalized