Presenting a psychiatric case

1. Presenting complaint

• Mental status exam

2. Past psychiatric history

3. Past medical history

4. Medications/Drugs

• Illicit drug use
• Alcohol and smoking
• Compliance with medications

5. Family history

6. Social history (social support)

7. Forensic history

8. Developmental history

9. Diagnosis

• "My impression is that the patient is suffering from [diagnosis] on the background of [predisposing factors], which is precipitated by [precipitating factors], and perpetuated by [perpetuating factors].

10. Management

• Short term, intermediate term, long term
• Case manager
• Education
• Maintenance