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Psychiatric Assessments

Embarking on a journey towards better mental health starts with gaining a full understanding of underlying issues. This begins with a full psychiatric assessment, which enables caregivers to create a foundation for effective treatment. UKAT London Clinic, our private psychiatric assessment process enables us to bespoke treatment programmes and give each individual the best chance at recovery.

We aim to make the mental health assessment process both comprehensive and compassionate, laying the groundwork for a trusting therapeutic relationship between our clients and our expert treatment teams. With mental well-being at the forefront, psychiatry assessments are not just about diagnosis but about charting a course toward a brighter, healthier future.

 

Person being assessed

What happens in a psychiatric assessment?

Undergoing a psychiatry assessment should be a thorough and sensitive process. At UKAT London, each mental health assessment is conducted with the utmost respect for the individual’s privacy and well-being, ensuring a safe space to share and reflect. We provide personalised mental health support during every stage of our private psychiatric assessment process to ensure our clients and their loved ones get all the help they need.

Typical steps in a comprehensive psychiatric assessment include:

  • Clinical interview: A one-on-one discussion where the psychiatrist inquires about the person’s current issues, medical and psychiatric history, family background and more.
  • Observation: The psychiatrist will observe the individual’s behaviour, speech and thought patterns throughout the interview.
  • Questionnaires and standardised tests: These tools provide additional data and can help in identifying specific disorders or patterns.
  • Physical examination: It is sometimes necessary to rule out physical ailments that may be contributing to psychiatric symptoms.
  • Review of previous records: If available and with the patient’s consent, previous medical or therapy records can provide added insights.

Which conditions can psychiatric assessment diagnose?

A comprehensive psychiatric assessment serves as a gateway to understanding a wide range of mental health conditions. The clarity that comes from these evaluations is foundational in designing treatment programmes tailored to each individual’s unique experiences and needs. Here is an overview of some conditions that psychiatric assessments can help diagnose:

Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are conditions where persistent, abnormal emotional states, such as depression or bipolarity, disrupt a person’s daily life and functioning.

Mood disorders

Cognitive disorders
Cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and delirium cause issues with memory, perception and problem-solving. Through a detailed assessment, a psychiatrist can pinpoint the roo…

Cognitive disorders

Adult ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) isn’t confined to childhood. Many adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed and struggle with focus, impulsivity and organisation. A mental health assessme…

Adult ADHD

Phobias
Phobias are an irrational fear of specific things or situations, and they can affect every aspect of daily life. A psychiatric assessment can determine the extent and root cause of these fears so t…

Phobias

NPD
Narcissistic personality disorder is characterised by grandiosity, lack of empathy, and a constant need for admiration, often leading to interpersonal difficulties.

Phobias

Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression affects around one in ten mothers after childbirth. It is more intense than the “baby blues” and can manifest as severe mood swings, exhaustion and feelings of hopelessness. An…

Postnatal depression

Illness Anxiety Disorder
Also referred to as Hypochondria and somatic symptom disorders, These disorders revolve around an extreme focus on physical symptoms leading individuals to believe they have a serious illness. A t…

Illness anxiety disorder

Forms of psychiatry assessment

Psychiatry is a vast field with various subspecialties, each designed to address the unique challenges presented by different groups of mental health disorders. Psychiatric assessments can encompass various methods depending on the presenting symptoms and the potential underlying conditions. These include:

General Psychiatry Assessment
General psychiatry encompasses diagnosing, treating, and holistic care of mental health conditions, enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.

General Psychiatry

Addiction Psychiatry Assessment
Addiction psychiatry specialises in diagnosing, treating, and offering holistic care for individuals struggling with substance or behavioural addictions.

Addiction Psychiatry

Medico-Legal and Forensic Work
Medico-legal and forensic work combines medical and legal expertise, examining medical issues in legal cases, for example, determining cause of death or assessing competency.

Medico-Legal and Forensic Work

What happens after a psychiatric assessment?

Post-assessment, the journey towards well-being truly begins. With the valuable insights gained from the full psychiatric assessment, the professionals at UKAT London Clinic can carve out a bespoke treatment pathway that best serves the client’s individual needs. Examples of modalities used within 1-2-1 psychotherapy or group treatments include :

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): A highly effective therapy for a number of disorders, CBT helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and behaviours, replacing them with healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): Especially beneficial for those with addiction, borderline personality disorder and certain mood disorders, DBT teaches individuals skills to handle stress, regulate emotions and improve relationships.
  • Holistic therapies: Beyond traditional treatments, UKAT London Clinic recognises the importance of holistic therapies like yoga, meditation and art therapy, which can help in enhancing overall well-being and resilience.

UKAT London Clinic provides continued support at every stage of treatment and makes adjustments as needed, ensuring the best possible outcomes for each client.

Begin the road to wellness and improved mental health

Embarking on a journey towards better mental health might feel daunting, but with the right support, profound transformation is possible. At UKAT London Clinic, our expert treatment teams provide compassionate, comprehensive care every step of the way. If you or a loved one is grappling with mental health challenges, take the first step today with a private psychiatric assessment and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future.

Contact UKAT London Clinic today and begin your path to wellness.

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