Running head: CLINICAL INTERVIEW 1
Clinical Interview
Institution
Name
CLINICAL INTERVIEW 2
Unstructured Clinical Interview
The beginning of the interview is the most basic of counsellor training as it initiates
counselling relationship and the foundation of evaluation. Detection of mental disorders uses
unstructured, open-ended perspective as the primary assessment technique. A comprehensive
understanding of psychopathology and current diagnostic system helps therapists to be effectual
(Jones, 2010).
Unstructured interviews lacks questioning and recording standardizations and comprises
queries presented by counsellors, patient responses and counsellor’s scrutiny. Their effectiveness
depends on the capability of interviewers to identify diagnostic symptoms. The first step involves
a broad primary clinical interview which helps in forming a diagnosis and therapy plans. To
determine a diagnostic, counsellors use specific diagnostic questions focusing on signs,
symptoms and conduct of the client.
Outline for Unstructured Questions Interview
Firstly, counsellors identify basic information from the client such as sex. Diagnostic
clues includes vulnerability of a person to a certain disorder due to their features. For instance,
women are more prone to depression than men. Coming up with the main complaint that affects
patient wellbeing and its background. Family history can help to detect a psychiatry condition as
some are hereditary such as bipolar. Detection hint includes series of behavior maladjustment.
Client’s relationship, problems experienced in developing and maintaining them such as violence
is essential information.
Secondly is exploring client’s history in terms of education, developmental, medical,
legal and work background. They offer additional data that will help in diagnosis. For instance,
CLINICAL INTERVIEW 3
substance abuse screening will help narrow down alcohol and drugs as the main cause of existing
signs and symptoms.
Thirdly, emotional and intellectual functioning are assessed through Mental Status
Examination (MSE). Verbal and nonverbal conduct is noted together with how they narrate their
personalized encounters (Jones, 2010). However, MSE is not a primary diagnostic tool as its
necessity is when there is suspected levels of psychopathology.
Part Two
Clinical Interview
I will initiate a background research on Jeffrey to discover why he was using
amphetamines. For example his childhood, intimate relationship and workplace environment.
Jeffrey has a good working relationship with workmates because he identifies them as his social
network. The language used will be simple and straightforward although respectful to client’s
feelings. I will listen carefully to his responses and respond accordingly so as to motivate his
trust.
Question 1
First, I will enquire about Jeffrey’s family history. It will include the background
information about first degree relatives and whether there are cases of mental disorders. His
parents and siblings background such as age and occupation. The environment he was brought
up such as family composition during his childhood. Quality of relationship with his family
members. If there are cases of traumatic experiences such as abuse, violence and suicidal
behaviors. Secondly, I will ask Jeffrey about his medical background to discern his current
overall health. For instance if he has been hospitalized for any critical medical condition.
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Question 2
Family history will provide a personalized evaluation of a patient. Overdose can be
associated with depressive experiences during child development that can lead to psychiatry
disorders. Previous experiences such as child abuse can lead to post-traumatic stress disorders
leading to amphetamines addiction.
Medical history helps to formulate treatment plans that will not react negatively with
Jeffrey’s current medications. Identifying previous drugs can help in determining the primary
cause of stroke in Jeffrey’s case. The counsellor is able to discern signs of changes in
consciousness and loss of memory creating a link between medications.
CLINICAL INTERVIEW 5
References
Jones, D.K., (2010). American Counselling Association. Journal of Counselling and
Development, 88, 220-226.