VIII.
Affect (Observed): An observed expression of inner feeling. -Possible descriptors:Appropriateness to situation, consistency with mood, congruence with thought content.Fluctuations: Labile, even.Range: Broad, restricted.Intensity: Blunted, flat, normal intensity.Quality: Sad, angry, hostile, indifferent, euthenics, dysphoric, detached, elated, euphoric, anxious, animated, irritable.IX.Thought Processes or Thought Form (Inquired/Observed): logic, relevance, organization,flow and coherence of thought in response to general questioning during the interview. -Possible descriptors:Linear, goal-directed, circumstantial, tangential, loose associations, incoherent, evasive, racing, blocking, perseveration, neologisms.X.Thought Content (Inquired/Observed) –Possible questions for patient:
“What do you think about when you are sad/angry?”
“What’s been on your mind lately?”
“Do you find yourself ruminating about things?”
“Are there thoughts or images that you have a really difficult time getting out of your head?”
“Are you worried/scared/frightened about something or other?”
“Do you have personal beliefs that are not shared by others?”(Delusions are fixed, false, unshared beliefs.)“
Do you ever feel detached/removed/changed/different from others around you?”
“Do things seem unnatural/unreal to you?”
“What do you think about the reports in papers such as The National Enquirer?”
“Do you think someone or some group intend to harm you in some way?”[In response to something the patient says] “What do you think they meant by that?”
“Does it ever seem like people are stealing your thoughts, or perhaps inserting thoughts into your head? Does it ever seem like your own thoughts are broadcast out loud?”
“Do you ever see (visual), hear (auditory), smell (olfactory), taste (gustatory), and feel (tactile) things that are not really there, such as voices or visions?” (Hallucinations are false perceptions)“
Do you sometimes misinterpret real things that are around you, such as muffled noises or shadows?”(Illusions are misinterpreted perceptions)
