The Present State Examination (PSE) is a comprehensive, semi-structured interview designed to
assess and document the current psychiatric symptoms of an individual. Developed by psychiatrist
John Kenneth Wing and colleagues, the PSE is integral to the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in
Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) system. It encompasses a wide range of psychopathological symptoms, each
meticulously defined to ensure consistent and reliable assessment across different clinicians and
settings.
Purpose and Structure of the PSE
Comprehensive Symptom Assessment: The PSE evaluates a broad spectrum of psychiatric
symptoms, including mood disturbances, thought disorders, perceptual abnormalities, and
cognitive impairments.
Standardized Interview Format: The semi-structured nature of the PSE allows clinicians to
explore symptoms in depth while adhering to a consistent framework, enhancing the
reliability of assessments.
Detailed Symptom Definitions: Each symptom assessed by the PSE is accompanied by a
precise definition and criteria, often detailed in an accompanying glossary, to guide clinicians
in accurate identification and rating.
The Present State Examination (PSE) is a semi-structured clinical interview designed to assess an
individual's current psychiatric symptoms. Each symptom is rated on a scale, typically from 0
(absent) to 2 or 3 (varying degrees of presence and severity). The total score is calculated by
summing the individual item scores, providing an overall measure of the individual's mental
state. This standardized scoring system facilitates consistent evaluations across different
clinicians and settings.
Item Example : Delusions of Reference
Definition: Belief that ordinary events, objects, or behaviors of others have particular and
unusual meanings specifically for oneself.
