General appearance

The following features of a patient's general appearance may have important psychiatric associations:

• general self-neglect:
  • the patient is unwashed, untidy and ungroomed
  • suggests alcohol addiction, chronic schizophrenia, dementia or drug addiction
    
    
• bright, gaudy clothing:
  • suggests mania
    
    
• emaciated:
  • suggests depressive or anxiety disorder, anorexia nervosa or serious physical illness
    
    
• stooped, hunched, leaning forward:
  • suggests depression
    
    
• sitting on the edge of the seat, gripping the arms of the chair:
  • suggests anxiety

Reference

1. Butterfield A et al. A Direct Observation Form for Evaluation of the Psychiatric Interview: Pilot Testing During the Psychiatry Clerkship. Acad Psychiatry. 2023 Aug;47(4):368-373