ABSTRACT
In order to evaluate the mental condition of the person whose behavior is such that he requires medical aid, the psychiatrist obtains as complete information as possible regarding the patient's hereditary background, life development, and present difficulty. This information is obtained, when possible, from the patient himself and from a close relative or friend, and no matter what their stories reveal the psychiatrist treats the material in a purely objective and scientific manner. At no time does he introduce his own emotional reactions into the examination. He listens sympathetically to all that he hears so that later he may analyze the statements and synthesize the results in a constructive fashion. When the purpose of the examination has been explained to the patient and he has been shown that it is really for his own benefit, he will usually co-operate. If not, that fact is significant and is noted by the psychiatrist. When the patient co-operates and works with the doctor, this is referred to as a rapport between physician and patient.
