ABSTRACT
The clinical cases are classified into three categories as follows: simple cases, moderately complex cases, and complex cases. Each case summarizes the presenting complaints and symptoms derived from the interview of the patient, collateral history, mental status examination and, in some cases, psychological test results. Since the main theme of the text is practical treatment guidelines, detailed historical information and a separate section on mental-status examination are omitted. In some cases the information presented in each case was obtained after several patient visits. A unique aspect of psychiatric evaluation is that patients do not divulge all of the information during the first visit. They are more forthcoming with information after they feel comfortable with the clinician. This is particularly true for patients with Axis I problems complicated by an Axis II diagnosis and for patients who have "sensitive" symptoms or history including suicidal and homicidal ideation and history of abuse. The cases emphasize a variety of aspects related to treatment.
