Which interviewing technique helps elicit a comprehensive diagnostic picture during the intake interview?

• A. Closed-ended questions only.
• B. Leading questions.
• C. Open-ended questions.
• D. Rapid yes/no checks.

Answer: (C)

Open-ended questions are the best choice because they invite the patient to share their story in their own words, allowing a full account of symptoms, onset, progression, and how experiences affect daily life. This approach helps the interviewer gather detailed information about the diagnostic picture—including chronology, context, severity, and psychosocial factors—so the clinician can see patterns and connections that might not emerge with more restrictive questioning. By listening to the patient describe experiences in depth, the intake interview becomes a richer, more accurate foundation for assessment and next steps.

Closed-ended questions limit responses to yes/no or brief replies, which can leave important nuances undiscovered. Leading questions push the patient toward a particular answer, introducing bias. Rapid yes/no checks fail to capture the complexity and variability of mental health symptoms over time.