How do psychiatrists diagnose people with a mental illness?
Psychiatrists base their diagnosis on the definitions of mental/psychological diseases and disorders found in a specific reference book, the DSM-4. A psychiatrist will begin with interviewing the person for himself, face to face, both asking questions and observing, as well as listening to the patient describe symptoms or worries in their own words. Some standard tests for memory, for awareness of the here-and-now, of determining if the person is a danger to himself or others at the current moment.. As the psychiatrist observes and questions, he also evaluates, taking notes as the interview progresses. Given thought on the diagnosis, the psychiatrist may refer to his DSM-4 book, consulting the standards for specific diagnoses locating the best fit for the person in his presence. At the end of one or two visits with the Psychiatrist, he will speak with you, answering your questions, face to face, explaining his findings and prescribing medications to minimize the unpleasant symptoms.
