NEW PATIENT MAPS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
newpt1a
SECTIONS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
NEW PATIENT MAPS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
newpt2b
SECTIONS: 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17
NEW PATIENT MAPS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
newpt3a
SECTIONS: 9 | 11 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27
NEW PATIENT MAPS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
newpt4a
SECTIONS: 9 | 11 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31
22. CONSULT ABOUT DIAGNOSIS?

Psychological disturbances can be related to a wide range of other factors, and possibly even caused by them. We tend to think of the information from physicians and psychiatrists as being especially relevant; however, others can also be helpful. Among them are neurologists, neuropsychologists, physical therapists and optometrists.

If you see a possible source of a cognitive or emotional problem that could best be evaluated by another specialist, it is prudent to make the referral for consultation early in treatment.

22a. Medical Referrals
A psychological condition could have a variety of possible physical and neurological implications, that are best evaluated and/or treated medically:

  • It may be caused by medication
  • It may be a direct consequence of a medical condition
  • It may be a reaction to a disease or disability
  • It may require medication or other medical intervention for effective control or correction.

22b. Further Diagnostic Information
If you uncover a possible untreated medical condition, you may want to consult with the patient’s physician or refer the patient for an examination.

Referral to a psychiatrist will often lead to another perspective on the patient’s difficulties, as well as new information that you might not have thought to collect.