Mental Health Assessment
A mental health assessment is an array of tests and questions. Your doctor will inquire about your family history, medications and medical history, as well as your symptoms. They will also conduct an examination of the body and may also order tests in the lab, such as thyroid function tests or toxicology screenings.
You may have written or verbal tests as well. These can include intelligence tests and measures of cognitive functioning, insight, judgment and looseness of association.
Signs and symptoms
When a health professional conducts an evaluation of your mental health, he'll ask you several questions about how you feel and what's been happening. He may be interested in knowing if you have an ancestral history of mental illness or your general health. The test is designed to provide the doctor an idea of how you feel, think and behave, as well as identifying any safety issues. The questions may be written or verbal and are often organized in the form of an assessment questionnaire.
Your health professional will need to know about your general life situation including your work schedule, your relationships and whether you have any family members who live with you. They'll likely want to know about any traumatic events that you've been through in your life and if you suffer from issues with alcohol or drugs. They'll be interested in knowing whether there's a risk to you or anyone else. They could also take a sample of blood to determine if they have any substances present in your body.
Some tests are used routinely in a mental test like the Hamilton Rating Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory. These tests assess a range of symptoms and offer an easy and quick method for health care providers to evaluate the patient's mood, mental abilities, behavior and memory. Other tests are used to diagnose specific problems such as the Mini Mental State Examination is used to determine the degree of consciousness of a patient.
A variety of other tests are sometimes used during the mental health assessment that include a physical exam (to look for any medical issues that may be underlying) tests for toxicology and lab tests (blood or urine tests to see whether there are any substances within the body). Some people also choose to keep a diary of their feelings, which can be helpful when giving information to their therapist. Some prefer to bring a companion or an advocate to their session, which can be useful if they are uncomfortable discussing their feelings or when the information is sensitive.
If you are unhappy with the treatment you are receiving, or you believe the doctor hasn't taken all your concerns seriously, tell them that. The majority of NHS services have a complaints procedure and your care co-ordinator or doctor should be able to assist you, or you can contact the charity Rethink to seek advice.
Diagnosis
A mental health assessment is the first step in diagnosing a mental illness. If you are diagnosed, it will assist your doctor choose the best treatment for you. You may require a mix of treatments, like therapy and medication. Certain disorders are temporary and disappear on their own, whereas others are long-term in nature. A diagnosis is crucial in many ways, including informing health insurance companies that you have a condition that requires medical attention and allowing you to qualify for disability support or protection from workplace discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The diagnosis is a lengthy procedure that requires a careful examination of the patient's symptoms and how they affect their life. Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mood and how you feel throughout the day, taking into consideration any issues that are occurring in your home or at work. A physical examination will be conducted to determine whether your symptoms are the result of a medical condition. Certain symptoms may require additional tests and tests, like blood or urinary samples, MRIs or EEG scans.
Rating scales and questionnaires are among the tools doctors use to determine a patient's symptomatology. They are typically targeted at specific illnesses and can help in identifying potential disorders, but do not take into account all the biological, psychological and sociological factors that may influence a person's psychiatric state.
In addition to these questions and a general conversation with the patient will be conducted, which may involve an extensive account of the patient's thoughts and emotions. The doctor will also inquire about their family's medical history as well as any medication the patient is currently taking and whether they have any dietary or herbal supplements that might be affecting their mental health.
If the symptoms are extreme, the patient may require admission as an inpatient for further care. The doctor could also suggest outpatient therapy or medication. If your doctor believes they are not qualified to diagnose your condition they should discuss this with you and determine whether a medical opinion is needed. If they are in agreement, you can seek a referral to a psychiatrist at another mental health trust.
Treatment
Sometimes family members and close acquaintances notice signs that suggest mental illness. They can also assist a patient to make the first step towards seeking treatment. While books and the Internet can provide valuable information, nothing can substitute for a trained professional's assessment of mental health.
During the examination, your doctor may inquire about your thoughts and feelings, as well as your behaviour. The doctor will search for symptoms of neurological disorders, depression and drug abuse. Your doctor will also inquire about any previous psychiatric treatment that you have had, as well as whether or not you have an ancestral history of mental illness.
Your doctor will also conduct a physical examination and ask you about your medications. Your doctor will ask you to rule out physical conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Answer all questions honestly and completely. You may be asked to keep an account of your thoughts and feelings or to bring a friend or family member along to the interview. Your doctor could also conduct laboratory tests such as urine or blood tests.
In a mental health assessment, psychological testing or questionnaires are commonly used. These tests are useful for testing your mood and thinking abilities, as well as how you interact with others. These tests typically take the form of a written or oral questionnaire. It is recommended to try to complete these tests prior to your appointment so you can discuss them with your doctor.
Other tests employ ratings scales that give doctors an overall picture of your emotional state. These tools can be used to detect symptoms like anxiety, depression and Bipolar disorder. These tools can be useful in assessing underlying conditions such as dementia or other neurodegenerative disorders.
A psychiatric assessment includes an interview with your doctor and may include psychotherapy, like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), which can be helpful in the treatment of trauma. In some instances your psychiatric issue could be so severe that it requires hospitalization in an inpatient or mental health facility, or a in a residential program.
Prevention
A mental health assessment could be a crucial first step in preventing the development of a mental illness worse. It can be utilized to assist with treatment, since it gives a clear picture of what's going on in the person's body and mind. People who get an assessment of their mental health are more likely to begin getting help for their problems earlier, which could increase the chances of recovering.
Based on the purpose behind the evaluation, different methods can be used to do it. For example children may be asked to keep a journal of how they feel for a couple of days or to ask family members and friends about their behavior. The doctor could ask the patient several questions or conduct an interview to see how they feel. They might also do more in-depth tests, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.
The results of the mental health assessment will determine whether a person has to consult a specialist, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. If the test reveals signs of a mental illness, the specialist will provide suggestions on how to deal with it. They usually recommend therapy. If the condition isn't treated, it could influence the way a person thinks and behaves, leading to low quality of life and even suicide.
People who are experiencing a mental illness should see their GP if they have symptoms of anxiety or depression. If the symptoms persist for a long period of time, it could lead to other health issues, such as physical problems or dementia. Anyone suffering from a chronic medical issue such as diabetes or heart disease should also make sure they are being examined for mood issues.
It's not uncommon for people to be embarrassed or ashamed of seeking help with a mental health problem and certain members of their family might have a negative view of those who seek therapy. This makes it difficult for patients to get the support they need. To lessen the stigma, practitioners can use Quenza's Understanding Mental Health Stigma worksheet to aid their clients in discussing the issue with others.