Psychiatrists use a combination of interviews, assessments, and diagnostic criteria to diagnose mental health conditions. During an initial evaluation, a psychiatrist will typically conduct a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, which involves gathering information about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and any relevant psychosocial factors. They may also ask you to complete specific questionnaires or rating scales to assess the severity of your symptoms.
Based on this evaluation, psychiatrists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is a widely accepted diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-5 provides diagnostic criteria for various mental health disorders, which psychiatrists use to determine if you meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis.
In some cases, psychiatrists may order additional tests, such as laboratory tests or brain imaging, to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.