ABSTRACT
The first step in developing a biological formulation is to create a biological/descriptive database. Once the biological/descriptive data are obtained from the psychiatric interview and medical records and analyzed in the symptom filter, the next step is to determine what biological predispositions and contributing factors are present. This involves considering those biological factors that may have led to the development of the mental disorder. Medications: Medications may cause or exacerbate mental illness. Allergies: Rechallenging a patient with a medication, or another medication from the same class, that induced an allergic reaction in the past may result in a life-threatening condition. Mental status examination: Provides important information on mood, reality testing, and cognitive status. Physical and neurological examinations: Abnormalities suggest underlying medical or neurological illness that may cause or exacerbate symptoms.
