Key Elements of the Psychiatric Interview

Discussion Psychiatric Practice
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January 25, 2023
Part D.2.2.
1 Development of Practitioner-client Relationship
Understanding the development of a practitioner-client relationship is essential in the psychiatric interview as it helps establish trust and rapport with the client. This allows the client to feel more comfortable and open to sharing personal information and can lead to better treatment outcomes. Additionally, studies show that when there is a solid practitioner-client relationship, motivation to continue and adhere to treatment protocols could be observed, especially with the use of an "autonomy-supportive rather than a controlling style" (Haerens et al., 2021).
2 Therapeutic Communication
On the one hand, therapeutic communication is also essential as it helps the practitioner to understand the client's perspective, validate their feelings, and provide support. In fact, studies show that effective therapeutic communication is essential, especially when treating adolescents with the help of a mentally engaging task (Wilmots et al., 2019). Thus, this shows that this kind of communication is necessary not only for the onset and delivery of treatment but also for the increase of motivation to adhere and to continue with the process.
On the one hand, therapeutic communication can also help build trust and increase the likelihood that the client will be open and honest in their responses. Thus, by improving therapeutic communication skills and eliciting more open and honest communication with the patients, both the effectiveness and capacity for lasting change increase.
3 Potential traps and pitfalls when eliciting the history from a mental health client
Potential traps and pitfalls when eliciting the history from a mental health client include leading questions, making assumptions about the client's condition, and not allowing the client to speak freely. For any practitioner (and future practitioners), it is essential to be aware of these pitfalls and avoid them to obtain accurate and comprehensive information about the client's condition. Additionally, in one study done by Moldawsky (2020), the author noted that one of the possible traps and pitfalls is when it comes to getting a complete medical and psychological history of the patient. When this happens, the risk of obtaining an incorrect diagnosis increases, considering that the patient's initial symptoms may fit various symptoms of these psychological illnesses.
4 Significance of the environment
The interview environment is also essential, as it can affect the client's comfort level and willingness to share information. It is essential to ensure that the environment is private, comfortable, and free from distractions.
5 Considerations such as age, culture, genetics, health literacy level, and spiritual beliefs
Considerations such as age, culture, genetics, health literacy level, and spiritual beliefs can significantly impact the client's experience of mental health conditions and their treatment (Koduah et al., 2019). Considering these factors when conducting the interview and developing a treatment plan is essential.
6 Mental Status Examination
The mental s...