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Mental Health Assessment A mental health assessment is an array of tests and questions. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and family history and symptoms. They will also conduct a physical examination that is basic and may order lab work like blood tests as well as thyroid function tests. toxicology tests. You may also have written or oral tests. These tests can include intelligence and cognitive functioning tests, as well as measures of insight, judgment and looseness of association. Symptoms If a health professional conducts an evaluation of your mental health, he'll ask you several questions about your feelings and what has been happening. He might be interested in knowing whether you have an ancestral history of mental illness or general health. The test is designed to give a doctor an understanding of how you feel and think as well as identify any security concerns. The questions are often in a questionnaire-type format and may be either verbal or written. Your health care provider must know about your general life conditions. This includes your job and relationships, as well as whether you have family members living with you. They'll likely be interested in knowing about any traumas you've encountered in your life and if you suffer from problems with alcohol or drugs. They will want to know if there is any danger to you or others. They may also take a sample of blood to check if there are any substances in your body. Some tests are routinely used during an assessment of mental health, for example the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. These tests test a broad range of symptoms, and enable health professionals to quickly and easily assess the mood of a patient, their thinking abilities, behavior, and memory. Other tests can be used to diagnose specific issues. For instance the Mini Mental State Examination can be used to determine a person's awareness level. Other tests can be used in the mental health assessment, such as physical examinations (to check for any underlying medical reasons) as well as toxicology screenings and laboratory testing (blood or urine tests to see whether there are any substances within the body). Some people keep a journal to record their thoughts. This can be useful when they need to share information with their counselor. Some people prefer to bring a companion or advocate to their assessment and this can be beneficial in cases where they are not comfortable talking about their feelings or in the event that 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, say that. You can make a complaint about the majority of NHS services. Your health care provider or doctor can help you. You can also contact Rethink the charity that provides guidance. Diagnosis A mental health assessment is the first step to diagnose an illness of the mind. If you are diagnosed, it will aid your doctor decide on the best treatment option for you. You may need a combination of treatments, including treatment and medication. Some disorders are short-lived and go away by themselves while others have a long-term nature. Having a diagnosis is important in many ways, such as telling health insurance companies that you have a condition that needs medical attention, and allowing you to be eligible for disability assistance or protection from discrimination at work under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Diagnosis is a complicated process that requires a keen understanding of a patient's symptoms and how they impact their lives. Your doctor will ask questions about how you feel and your mood throughout the day. They will also take into account any issues in your family or at work. A physical exam will be done to see whether your symptoms are due to a bodily illness. Some symptoms may require additional tests and examinations, such as blood or urinary samples, MRIs or EEG scans. Rating scales and questionnaires are some of the tools doctors use to assess a patient's symptomatology. agree with this are usually targeted at specific diseases and may aid in identifying possible disorders, however, they do not take into consideration all of the biological, psychological and sociological factors that may affect a person's mental health. A general interview will also be conducted with the patient which may include a detailed account of their thoughts and feelings. The doctor will also ask about their family's medical history, any medications the patient is currently taking, and whether they are taking any dietary or herbal supplements that might be affecting their mental health. If the symptoms are severe, the patient could require admission as an inpatient for additional treatment. In other cases, the doctor might suggest outpatient therapy and medication instead. If your psychiatrist feels they aren't competent to diagnose your condition, they should discuss the issue with you and determine whether a specialist's opinion is appropriate. If they are in agreement, you may request a referral to another psychiatrist within an institution for mental health. Treatment Sometimes, family members and friends may notice signs that indicate mental illness. They may also be the ones who help a patient take the first steps towards seeking treatment. While informational sources like books and the Internet, can provide valuable information, nothing can take the place of a mental health assessment by a trained professional. During an assessment your doctor will ask you questions about your thoughts, feelings and behavior. The doctor will look for indications of neurological disorders and depression. The doctor will also inquire about any previous psychiatric treatment you have had and whether or not you have a a family history of mental illness. Your doctor will also conduct physical examinations and ask you about your medications. Your doctor will ask you to rule out physical conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Answer all questions truthfully and completely. You might be asked to keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings, or if you wish to bring your family member or a friend to the assessment interview. Your doctor might also conduct laboratory tests such as urine tests or blood tests. In a mental health assessment, psychological testing or questionnaires are commonly used. They can be a helpful instrument for evaluating your mood, thinking capabilities, memory and the way you interact with other people. The tests are typically in the form of a written or oral questionnaire. It is a good idea to try to complete these tests before your appointment so that you can discuss them with your doctor. Other tests use ratings scales that give doctors an extensive overview of your mood. These tools can be used to detect symptoms like anxiety, depression and Bipolar disorder. They are also helpful in assessing the underlying condition such as dementia or other neurological disorders. A psychiatric assessment includes an appointment with your physician and could also include psychotherapy such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) which is a great treatment for trauma. In some instances your psychiatric issue could be enough severe to warrant hospitalization in an inpatient or mental health facility, or a residential programs. The following is a list of preventions. A mental health exam can be a first step in preventing an illness from getting worse. It can be used to assist with treatment, as it gives a clear picture of what is going on with the person's mind and body. People who undergo an assessment of their mental health are more likely to start seeking help for their issues sooner, which can improve their chances of recovery. Depending on the reason behind the assessment, different ways can be employed to accomplish it. For example children may be asked to keep a journal of how they are feeling for a couple of days or to ask friends and family about their behavior. In adults, the physician might use a questionnaire written in writing or interview the person to determine how they feel. They may also conduct more detailed tests, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. The results of an assessment of mental health are used to determine whether someone should be seen by a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. If the test indicates symptoms of a mental illness, the specialist will offer guidance on how to deal with it. They will often suggest therapy. If the condition isn't addressed, it may alter the way someone thinks and behaves, resulting in a poor quality of life and even suicide. Anyone suffering from mental illness should visit their GP when they exhibit signs of depression or anxiety. If the symptoms go on for a long period of time, it could lead to other health issues, such as physical ailments or dementia. People who have chronic medical conditions, like heart disease or diabetes, should be examined for mood disorders. It is not uncommon for people to be embarrassed or ashamed of seeking help with a mental health problem, and some members of their family might have a negative view of those who seek therapy. This can make it difficult for people to get the support they need. To help reduce stigma, practitioners can use Quenza's Understanding Mental Health Stigma Worksheet to encourage their clients to talk about the issue.