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Despite the proliferation of standardized questions and laboratory procedures, the diagnostic interview is the foundation of the diagnostic workup of the older adult experiencing a psychiatric disorder. Each year, time pressures push clinicians to rely more on standardized techniques that, in turn, limit their ability to employ the art of the interview. Standardized procedures such as interview schedules and diagnostic tests can always complement the interview and in some cases “make” the diagnosis for us (e.g., neurocognitive disorder with Lewy bodies). Even so, an in-person interview by a clinician saves valuable time over the course of an older adult’s illness. In this chapter, I review the core of the psychiatric interview, including history taking, family assessment, and the mental status examination; describe selected rating scales; and outline techniques for communicating effectively with older adults.
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