APA Updates Guidelines on Psychiatric Evaluation in Adults.

CME This clinical content conforms to AAFP criteria for continuing medical education (CME). See CME Quiz Questions on page 18. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recently released the third edition of its guidelines on psychiatric evaluation of adults. The nine-part guideline has been updated based on new evidence identified since the previous edition was released in 2006. Although the strength of the evidence supporting the recommendations in the updated guidelines is low, there is consensus that their benefits clearly outweigh the harms. In cases where the balance of benefits and harms is difficult to judge, or the benefits or harms are unclear, the APA made suggestions for care instead of recommendations. For more information about these guidelines, including tips for implementation, see the full report from the APA.