The psychiatry of family practice: personality disorders part 2: interviewing the patient.

Part 1 of this article, published on page 1942, encourages family doctors to consider their patients' personalities in clinical assessment and management. This section discusses patient interviewing, demonstrating how family physicians can listen for `themes' in a patient's conversation that may hold clues to what is bothering him. It is also best to avoid giving a patient too much support in an attempt `to make him feel better' because such support may also prevent him from making mature decisions. It is equally important generally to avoid giving specific advice, because it may prevent patients from taking responsibility for their own actions. The clinician can use his own feelings and reactions to the patient to better understand the patient's personality and problems. Consultation with a psychiatrist can help clarify the family physician's role in assisting a particular patient. Balint groups are recommended for family doctors who are interested in further developing their interviewing skills.