A standardized form for DSM-IV review of symptoms and mental status examination for students and residents

Abstract

A common error by medical students and residents is the inadvertent omission of some part of the mental status examination or failure to screen for a psychiatric diagnosis that is not evident on the patients presentation. The authors introduce a structured questionnaire and standardized form to guide psychiatric and generalist medical trainees through the mental status examination. Based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), the questionnaire and form are intended to facilitate a psychiatric review of patients without missing key points.