Chief Complaint (CC)
A verbatim statement from the client explaining why they are seeking care; provides
insight into the client's self-observation and insight.
History of Present Illness (HPI)
Chronological description of the chief complaint, including symptom onset,
characteristics, progression, triggers, and impact.
Psychiatric History:
Details past episodes of mental illness, including treatments, hospitalizations,
medications, and therapy outcomes.
Medical History
Includes current and past medical conditions, medications, allergies, surgeries, and
relevant physical health information.
Why is a detailed medical history important in psychiatry?
It can identify medical conditions that mimic or contribute to psychiatric symptoms (e.g.,
thyroid issues, chronic pain).
Family Psychiatric History
Information about psychiatric diagnoses, hospitalizations, and neurological conditions
(e.g., seizures, dementia) in family members.
What is the value of family psychiatric history?
Helps reveal genetic predispositions and informs treatment planning.
Social and Developmental History
Includes childhood experiences, relationships, education, employment, support
systems, and lifestyle.
What does the social and developmental history help assess?
The client's support system, relationships, functioning, and long-term coping.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
May present with anxiety, panic attacks, and mood swings.
Why is it essential to include pertinent positives and negatives in the HPI?
They help confirm or rule out differential diagnoses.
, Which medical illnesses may present with psychiatric symptoms?
Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes, chronic pain, and terminal illnesses.
May present with anxiety, panic attacks, and mood swings.
May present with depression, sleep difficulty, and appetite loss.
Purpose of Psychiatric Interview:
To collect comprehensive psychiatric information for diagnosis, prognosis, and
treatment planning.
What is the primary purpose of the psychiatric interview?
A. To prescribe medications
B. To assess physical health
C. To gather comprehensive psychiatric data for diagnosis and treatment
D. To perform diagnostic tests
To gather comprehensive psychiatric data for diagnosis and
treatment: Explanation: The psychiatric interview helps develop an understanding of the
client's symptoms and guides diagnosis and treatment planning.
Which component of the psychiatric history includes previous hospitalizations
and therapy?
A. Chief Complaint
B. History of Present Illness
C. Psychiatric History
D. Medical History
Psychiatric History: Explanation: Psychiatric history includes details of previous
treatments, hospitalizations, therapy types, and medication responses.
What symptom is commonly associated with hyperthyroidism?
A. Fatigue
B. Anxiety and mood swings
C. Increased appetite
D. Slow heart rate
Anxiety and mood swings: Explanation: Hyperthyroidism may mimic psychiatric
symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, and panic attacks.
Why is it important to include a client’s exact words in the chief complaint?