[Standardized psychiatric examination according to the Wing-Cooper-Sartorius method]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Standardization of psychiatric assessments is crucial for reliable diagnosis and research.
• Existing methods may lack consistency in symptom definition and taxonomic rationale.
• The Present State Examination (PSE) was developed to address these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the Present State Examination (PSE) as a standardized psychiatric assessment tool.
• To highlight the utility of the PSE in clinical research, routine practice, and psychiatric education.
• To demonstrate the application of the PSE through case examples.

Main Methods:

• The PSE involves a "human step" for evaluating 140 symptoms.
• A "computer step" utilizes the CATEGO program, aligning with the WHO International Classification of Diseases.
• The methodology ensures controlled interview techniques and consistent symptom definitions.

Main Results:

• The PSE provides a standardized approach to psychiatric interviewing and symptom assessment.
• The CATEGO program facilitates classification compatible with international diagnostic standards.
• Case examples illustrate the PSE's applicability in diverse clinical scenarios.

Conclusions:

• The Present State Examination is a valuable tool for standardizing psychiatric evaluations.
• Its structured approach enhances diagnostic accuracy and research consistency.
• The PSE is beneficial for clinical research, daily practice, and teaching psychiatric assessment.