Depression family interviews

The preadministration assessments of the outpatient are basically die same as diose for the hospitalized patient. The nurse obtains a complete medical history and a history of die symptoms of the depression from die patient, a family member, or die patient s hospital records. During die initial interview, die nurse observes die patient for symptoms of depression and die potential for suicide The initial physical assessment also should include the patient s vital signs and weight. 

A family history of mental disorders should be gathered, but the identification of mental disorders in family members becomes less reliable when it moves beyond the person directly interviewed. Family history can be useful in narrowing the differential diagnosis and in interpreting potential comorbidity. For instance, consideration of the potential contribution of depression or hypomania to ADITD can be aided if there is a family history of affective disorder. A family history of certain disorders such as tics may also be helpful in selecting and monitoring medications. 

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