The process of an adult psychiatric evaluation consists of detailed interview and review of past treatments. It is best if you can bring copies of previous medical records to facilitate the review. Alternatively, you can write up a timeline of your treatment, including dates or ages, medications with doses (if known), the positive and negative effects of each medication, and any other treatments you have received. It also is important to provide a complete list of all medications that you are currently taking. Medication interactions (drug-drug interactions) are extremely important, but can easily be missed without careful review.

Depending on the nature of the problem we are exploring, additional testing may be required. This can include computer-based testing and/or laboratory testing. Biological problems, such as mild traumatic brain injury, vitamin deficiencies, or chronic low level infections, can manifest as psychiatric symptoms. Past medical history, family history, lifestyle choices, and history of any head trauma also are explored. Psychiatric evaluations concludes with a discussion of the diagnosis, alternative diagnoses, and treatment plan. If medications are being considered, then the main effects, side effects, risks and benefits are carefully explained. Only after the patient states an understanding of the treatment plan and agreement with the treatment option, is a prescription written. A follow-up plan, additional testing, and other lifestyle recommendations are then made.