The Psychiatric History

Some organic diseases mimic psychiatric conditions, so a full physical health history and assessment should not be neglected.

A full psychiatric history may take several days to complete, especially the personal history elements, although all the points below should at least be touched upon in the initial assessment in ED:

1. Presenting complaint

2. History of presenting complaint

3. Past psychiatric history including previous self-harm

4. Past medical history and current health

5. Current medication and allergies

6. Family History

7. Personal History

a. Infancy and childhood (until age 5)

b. Later childhood and adolescence (until completion of higher education)

c. Occupational record

d. Relationship, marital and sexual history

8. Social circumstances

9. Alcohol and substance misuse

10. Forensic history

11. Premorbid personality

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