A Psychiatric examination often Psychiatric examination a variety of competing interests. While an employer or benefits agency seeks a well-founded and objective assessment, the employee is primarily concerned with the day-to-day impact of their symptoms. How do you remain impartial without losing sight of the person? Psychiatrist Onno de Klerk, who has been with Sazyes since 2012, shares his approach with us.
“You often find yourself caught between two perspectives”
“In expert assessments, you often deal with parties who have different perspectives,” says Onno. “One side takes a critical look at the basis for complaints and limitations, while the other side is primarily focused on the personal struggle.” That is precisely why he begins every process by outlining the context. What is the issue? What is his role? And what can someone expect from the conversation? “I always make it clear that I have a neutral position. That provides clarity and often brings peace of mind.”
Being objective without creating distance
According to Onno, neutrality doesn’t mean you have to be aloof. “Being objective is different from being cold.” He takes a broad, holistic approach. He considers not only the psychiatric symptoms but also the surrounding factors that influence functioning. “There are often shades of gray between ‘yes’ and ‘no’ when it comes to limitations. It is precisely that nuance that I try to bring to light.” This approach helps to arrive at a careful assessment and to keep the conversation understandable and clear for the client.
Not a treatment, but a guide
A Psychiatric examination not a form of treatment. The focus is not on recovery, but on answering a specific question. Nevertheless, the examination can provide valuable insights. “Sometimes it’s less about making the perfect diagnosis and more about understanding the story behind it. What’s really going on? And what might have been overlooked?”
From story to judgment
For Onno, independence means making symptoms concrete. When someone says they “can’t do anything anymore,” Onno examines what that means in their daily life. “Are you able to take care of yourself? How are you managing administrative tasks? Do you still have social contacts?” He also incorporates observations made during the conversation and information from sources such as the family doctor or company physician. Everything is carefully weighed. “You want to assess and provide honest feedback without dismissing anyone.”
What makes an expert opinion thorough and compelling?
“For me, an expert report is good when the narrative makes sense and the report is structured logically,” says Onno. This means that observations, information, and conclusions flow seamlessly from one another, and that the conclusions are easy to follow. The result is a report that the parties involved can trust and use to move forward.
Want to know more?
Would you like to discuss how a Psychiatric examination Sazyes can be helpful in an employment-related or legal context? Please feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to work with you to find a solution.
