Key Points Background Among patients with a psychiatric illness, treatment adherence is associated with better treatment outcomes, a lower risk of relapse and hospitalization, and better adherence to treatments for co-morbid medical illnesses. However, barriers to adherence are common and…
Key Points The mainstay of psychiatric diagnosis involves a thorough history, mental status examination, and focused physical examination; however, laboratory tests and diagnostic studies are important adjuncts. Laboratory tests and diagnostic studies are especially useful in the diagnostic work-up of…
Key Points The purpose of the psychiatric interview is to establish a therapeutic relationship with the patient in order to collect, organize, and synthesize data that can become the basis for a formulation, differential diagnosis, and treatment plan. A fundamental…
Key Points Background The doctor–patient relationship is a key driver of clinical outcomes—both in promoting desired results and in avoiding calamities. Clinical and Research Challenges Especially in psychiatry, the physician must understand and relate to the patient as a whole…