When it comes to interviewing patients with mental health concerns, being observant is crucial. For example, patients can experience perceptual disturbances, most commonly visual or auditory hallucinations, during an interview, but may not immediately volunteer that information or share what it is they are experiencing. However, with mindful observation one can take note of subtle clues that indicate a patient is attending to something else, such as when they appear distracted. By being aware of these signs made apparent by a patient's behaviour, cooperation, or speech, one can then question the patient about possible hallucinations and abnormal experiences and gain important information.
Recently, Newcastle University have created some fantastic videos to help us see what it's like to be a mental health professional and interview a patient who is experiencing hallucinations, as well as to better understand and appreciate what it's like to be someone who is constantly hearing voices. I recommend first watching the video from the observer's perspective to see if you can determine when the patient is attending to the hallucinations, and then watch the video from the patient's perspective to not only see if you were right, but to walk for a moment in the patient's shoes and experience how troubling the experience of hallucinations may be.
Recently, Newcastle University have created some fantastic videos to help us see what it's like to be a mental health professional and interview a patient who is experiencing hallucinations, as well as to better understand and appreciate what it's like to be someone who is constantly hearing voices. I recommend first watching the video from the observer's perspective to see if you can determine when the patient is attending to the hallucinations, and then watch the video from the patient's perspective to not only see if you were right, but to walk for a moment in the patient's shoes and experience how troubling the experience of hallucinations may be.
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