structured way of assessing, observing and describing several aspects of psychological function.

ABSEPTIC

Appearance: what did they look like

Specific details as if describing to the cops

• Age, gender, ethnicity
• Physical health, posture, gait, walking aids
• Grooming: clothing, make up, neglect (kempt vs unkempt appearance)
• Disposition
• Level of alertness
• Distinctive features (piercings, tattoos etc)

Behaviour

• Behaviour: suspicious, paranoid, irritable, aggressive, anxious, disinhibited etc.

• Attention: attentive, preoccupies, distractible, withdrawn, quiet, responding to internal stimuli

• Psychomotor activity: pacing, foot tapping, rapid, slowed

• Social engagement: polite, demanding, distant, aloof, provocative

• Unusual features: tics, tremors, catatonia, akathisia

  <aside> 💡

  always comment on eye contact and rapport

  </aside>