Physical Health in Psychiatry

Physical health assessment is an essential part of a psychiatric assessment, and a psychiatrist should be skilled in physical examination, as well as mental state examination.  There are various reasons for this:

• Physical examination is an essential part of the process of formulating a differential diagnosis for psychiatric presentations and ruling out organic causes (e.g. endocrine, infectious or neurological conditions) 
• Psychotropic medications can have significant physical effects, including metabolic syndrome, hyponatremia and extra-pyramidal side effects
• Regular physical health monitoring is an essential part of treatment
• Patients with psychiatric conditions may be at risk of neglecting their physical health, or of being less able to communicate their concerns about their physical health
• Patients with psychiatric conditions are also at increased risk of being stigmatised and having difficulty accessing services.  

The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Physical Health Policy can be read here