Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2008) 14: 229-234. doi: 10.1192/apt.bp.105.001099
© 2008 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Medical history-taking in psychiatry

Michael Phelan and Grant Blair

Michael Phelan is a consultant psychiatrist with West London Mental Health Trust and an honorary senior lecturer at London’s Imperial College, Faculty of Medicine (Gloucester House, 194 Hammersmith Road, London W6 8BS UK. Email: Michael.phelan{at}wlmht.nhs.uk). He is a general adult psychiatrist, who has an interest in physical health issues relating to mental illness and was a member of the recent Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Scoping Group on Physical Health in Mental Health. Grant Blair is a general practitioner in London and an honorary senior lecturer at Imperial College, Faculty of Medicine. He is the GP Mental Health Lead for the Hammersmith and Fulham Primary Care Trust.

A good medical history is an essential starting point in ensuring that the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness are addressed. Psychiatrists have an important role in helping to tackle the general ill health, excess of undiagnosed physical illness and reduced survival rates among their patients. To do this they need to use their medical training, communication skills and regular contact with patients. Assessments should include family history, past and current physical health, medication, lifestyle, healthcare and physical symptoms. Some groups of patients will need more detailed assessments.


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