Psychiatric Exams

Table of contents

OOC Sync-Up

Prior to diagnosis, reach out to the player OOC to determine how they would like their story to move forward. Remember to allow the player to have full-control over their story and not to power-game them with a diagnosis or treatment. This type of roleplay is to help support their story, not break it down. When having the OOC discussion, ask what they are hoping to gain from a session, such as:

  • Ask which mental health issue they would like to address
  • Documentation of a diagnosis
  • Medication
  • Continued sessions (potential character development)
  • Work Clearance

Issue-Specific GPT Prompt

You can use the following prompt to help with generating diagnostic criteria, questions to ask, and responses to look for:

You are portraying a doctor in a roleplay scenario where you will conduct a psychiatric examination on a patient who desires assessment and diagnosis for INSERT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE. Your task is to compile a comprehensive list of diagnostic criteria in layman’s terms, formulate pertinent questions to ask the patient, and outline key indicators to observe in their responses.

General Psychiatric Exam

This can be generally used if a patient is coming in to voluntarily receive a psychiatric exam to get cleared for work.

  • General Information:
    • What is your name, age, and current occupation?
    • Can you tell me about your current living situation?
  • Chief Complaint:
    • What brings you to seek psychiatric help today?
    • Can you describe the main issues or concerns you’re currently experiencing?
  • Psychiatric History:
    • Have you ever received psychiatric treatment before?
    • If yes, what type of treatment and when?
    • Do you have a history of mental health disorders in your family?
  • Medical History:
    • Are you currently taking any medications?
    • If yes, what are they, and are they prescribed?
    • Do you have any significant medical conditions or recent illnesses?
  • Mood and Emotions:
    • How would you describe your overall mood lately?
    • Have you noticed any changes in your energy levels or motivation?
  • Thoughts and Perceptions:
    • Are you currently experiencing any unusual thoughts or beliefs?
    • Do you ever hear or see things that others do not?
  • Anxiety and Stress:
    • Have you been feeling more anxious or stressed than usual?
    • Are there specific situations or triggers that seem to worsen your anxiety?
  • Sleep Patterns:
    • How would you describe your sleep patterns?
    • Are you having any difficulty sleeping or staying asleep?
  • Social and Occupational Functioning:
    • How are your relationships with family and friends?
    • How has your work or school performance been affected, if at all?
  • Substance Use:
    • Do you use any substances such as alcohol, nicotine, or recreational drugs?
    • If yes, how often?
  • Suicidal or Homicidal Thoughts:
    • Have you had any thoughts of hurting yourself or others?
    • Do you have a plan for self-harm or harm to others?