The Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) helps identify and measure the severity of catatonia. This guide explains how to administer it

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach designed to fortify patients' motivation to change, especially relevant in a psychiatric hospital setting where patients are often ambivalent about treatment. Initially rooted in substance abuse treatments, MI has evolved to address issues faced in psychiatric units such as medication nonadherence, social withdrawal, and self-injurious behaviors.

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests—it is fundamental because it offers insights into many medical conditions that can have psychiatric implications. As psychiatrists we often order and review CBCs, but we may not remember how to interpret the various abnormalities. This fact sheet will guide you through the essentials of the CBC, including when to order it, how to interpret its elements, and its relevance in psychiatry.

The MOCA is an efficient tool for evaluating cognitive function, especially for identifying mild cognitive impairment or early dementia. Here, we're going to dive into how you can administer the MOCA effectively

Major depression o Depressed mood + SIGECAPS (4 of 8) o SIGECAPS: sleep, interest, guilt, energy, concentration, appetite, psychomotor, suicide ● Bipolar depression (use mood stabilizers/antipsychotics)

Montreal Cognitive Assessment

The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale, Revised (CIWA-Ar) is the most widely used alcohol withdrawal symptom scale. Although it is primarily used in inpatient settings, it’s also useful for outpatient detox since it reminds both clinicians and patients of the types and severity of symptoms seen in alcohol withdrawal.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a discrete DSM-5 disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Many of your patients in inpatient psychiatry have been exposed to significant trauma, such as adverse childhood experiences, domestic or sexual violence, and the hardships associated with homelessness or substance use. Determining whether these experiences result in PTSD or are manifestations of ongoing trauma impacts (sometimes referred to as "complex PTSD") is crucial for effective treatment. In this fact sheet we describe a practical approach to determining a diagnosis and to what extent your patient’s daily functioning is being significantly affected by past trauma.

Patients with psychogenic polydipsia (PP) consume excessive amounts of water, making their blood dangerously dilute. This condition is surprisingly common, with a prevalence of 3%–25% in institutionalized patients. You’ll see it most often among patients with schizophrenia, but it also occurs in patients with mood and anxiety disorders.