The Importance of Medical History in Your Diagnosis

When you go to see a psychiatrist for the first time, you expect to be asked about your feelings, your thoughts, and your life story. But you might be surprised when they start asking detailed questions about your physical health. Why do they need to know about that bout of pneumonia you had five years ago, or the medications you take for high blood pressure? It might seem unrelated, but your complete medical history is actually one of the most critical pieces of the puzzle for an accurate psychiatric diagnosis.

At Televero Health, we practice from the core belief that the mind and the body are not separate. They are a single, integrated system. Your brain health is inseparable from your overall physical health. A thorough psychiatrist will always take a “whole person” approach, and that starts with understanding your complete medical story.

Your Past Influences Your Present

Your medical history provides a rich context that helps your psychiatrist understand your current symptoms. There are many ways that your past physical health can have a direct impact on your present mental health.

Past Medical Conditions

Many physical illnesses can have lasting effects on the brain or can be associated with a higher risk of developing a psychiatric condition. For example:

• A history of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion can significantly increase the risk for depression, anxiety, and problems with cognitive function.
• Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) are major life stressors and are frequently accompanied by depression and anxiety.
• Certain neurological conditions, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis, directly affect the brain and often have psychiatric symptoms as part of the illness itself.
• A history of thyroid disease is a major red flag, as thyroid hormones have a powerful effect on mood and energy.

Surgical History

Your psychiatrist will also want to know about any past surgeries. The stress of undergoing a major surgery and the effects of anesthesia can sometimes trigger a temporary or even a lasting change in a person’s mood or cognitive function. Knowing this history helps to complete the picture.

Past and Current Medications

This is a critically important part of your history. Many non-psychiatric medications can have psychiatric side effects. For example, some blood pressure medications or steroids can cause depression or anxiety. Your psychiatrist needs to know about every medication you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to see if they could be contributing to your symptoms.

Equally important is your history with past psychiatric medications. If you have been treated for a mental health condition before, your doctor will want to know:

• What medications have you tried?
• What doses were you on?
• How long did you take them?
• Did they help?
• Did you have any side effects?

This information is invaluable. It helps your doctor to avoid trying treatments that have already failed and to choose medications that are more likely to work for you.

The Importance of a Complete Picture

By gathering all of this information, your psychiatrist is not just being nosy. They are building a comprehensive, three-dimensional view of your health. They are looking for patterns, ruling out other causes, and identifying any factors that could be influencing your mental state. This allows them to make a more accurate diagnosis and to create a treatment plan that is not only effective but also safe for you as an individual.

So, when you are preparing for your first appointment, take some time to think about your medical history. If you can, make a list of your past and current medical conditions, surgeries, and all the medications you are taking. The more complete and accurate you can be, the better you are helping your doctor to help you.

Key Takeaways

• Your complete medical history is a crucial part of an accurate psychiatric diagnosis because your physical and mental health are deeply connected.
• Past medical conditions, surgeries, and non-psychiatric medications can all have a significant impact on your current mental state.
• Providing a detailed history of any past psychiatric medications you have tried is invaluable for helping your doctor choose an effective new treatment.
• A complete medical history allows your provider to make a more accurate diagnosis and a safer, more personalized treatment plan.

Ready to take the first step? We can help. Get started with Televero Health today.