Goals of the Psychiatric Interview

Goals of the Psychiatric Interview

The interviewer may be thought of as seeking the answers to several basic questions about the patient and the presenting prob-lems. These questions provide the mental framework of the inter-view (although not its explicit form). They begin with triaging of patients into broad categories of type and severity and progress to inquiry about details in each salient area. Table 3.1 lists the questions which the interview addresses and the implications of each for understanding and treating the patient. The answers to the questions in Table 3.1 are presented here in greater detail.

Does the Patient Have a Psychiatric Disorder?

This is the most basic question which the psychiatrist is called upon to answer, and determines whether or not there is any need for further psychiatric assessment or treatment.

How Severe Is the Illness?

The answer to this question determines the necessary level of treatment, ranging from hospitalization with close observation to infrequent outpatient visits. The main determinants of severity are dangerousness to self and others and impairment in ability to care for oneself and function in social and occupational roles.