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Mental Health Assessment A mental health exam is an array of tests and questions. Your doctor will inquire about your family history, medications and your symptoms. They will also conduct a physical examination that is basic and may request lab tests like blood tests and thyroid function tests or toxicology screenings. You could have written or verbal tests as well. These can include intelligence tests and measures of cognitive functioning intelligence, insight, judgment, and looseness of connection. Symptoms A health professional will ask questions about your feelings and what's been going on. The doctor may also want be aware of any family history of mental illness and your general health. The assessment is designed to provide the doctor a picture of how you think, feel and behave, in addition to identifying any safety concerns. The questions can be written or spoken and are often organized in the form of the questionnaire. Your doctor will want to know about your general life situation, such as your work schedule, your relationships and whether you have any family members living with you. They'll likely be interested in any traumatic events that you've experienced in your life, and if you're suffering from issues with alcohol or drugs. They'll want to know if you are at risk of harming yourself or others, and could take a blood sample to determine if there are any substances in your system. Some tests are used routinely in a mental test like the Hamilton Rating Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory. These tests test a broad variety of symptoms, and allow health care providers to quickly and efficiently assess the patient's mood, thinking abilities, behavior, and memory. Other tests are used to diagnose specific problems like the Mini Mental State Examination is used to determine the level of consciousness a person has. A variety of other tests are sometimes used during a mental health assessment, such as a physical exam (to examine for any medical issues that may be underlying) tests for toxicology and laboratory testing (blood or urine tests to see whether there are any chemicals in the body). Some people keep a diary to document their feelings. This can be useful when they need to share information with their therapist. Some prefer to bring a companion or an advocate to their session it can be helpful when they feel uncomfortable discussing their feelings or if the information is sensitive. If you are unhappy with the treatment you're receiving or believe that the doctor has not taken your concerns seriously, tell them that. The majority of NHS services have a complaint procedure and your care co-ordinator or doctor should be able to help you or you can contact the charity Rethink for advice. Diagnosis The first step in diagnosing mental illness is to conduct a mental health assessment. Once you have a diagnosis, it will assist your doctor decide on the best treatment option for you. You may require a combination of treatments, including therapy and medication. Certain disorders are temporary and go away on their own, whereas others are more long-lasting in nature. The importance of having a diagnosis is in a variety of ways, including telling health insurance companies that you have a condition that requires medical attention, and allowing you to qualify for disability support or protection from discrimination at work under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The diagnosis is a complex procedure that requires a thorough examination of the patient's symptoms, and how they affect their lives. Your doctor will ask you questions about how you feel and your mood throughout the day. They will also take into account any problems in your family or at work. A physical exam may be conducted to determine if your symptoms could be caused by a medical condition. Certain symptoms may require additional tests or tests, like urine or blood samples, MRIs, or EEG scans. There are a number of different tools that can be utilized to assist doctors in assessing the symptoms of a patient, such as questionnaires and rating scales. These tools are designed for specific illnesses and aid in identifying potential disorders. However they do not take into consideration all the biological, psychological and sociological factors that can affect the psychiatric state of a patient. In addition to these questions an interview with the patient will also be conducted, which could include a detailed history of the patient's thoughts and emotions. The doctor will inquire about the medical history of the patient's relatives, any medications they are currently taking, and if they have any herbal or dietary supplements which may be affecting mental health. If the symptoms are serious, the patient may require admission for further inpatient care. occupational therapy assessments for mental health could also suggest outpatient therapy or medication instead. If your psychiatrist feels they are not competent to diagnose your condition, they should discuss the issue with you and determine if a specialist opinion is necessary. If they agree, then you can ask for an appointment with a different psychiatrist in the mental health trust. Treatment Friends and family members frequently observe signs that suggest mental illnesses. They may also be the ones who assist patients take the first steps to seek treatment. While informational sources, such as books and the Internet, can provide useful information, nothing can take the place of a mental health assessment by an experienced professional. During the assessment, your doctor will ask you questions about your thoughts, feelings and behavior. He or she will be looking for signs of neurological disorders and depression. Your doctor will also inquire about any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received and whether or not there is a an ancestral history of mental illness. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination and inquire about your medications. Your doctor will want you to rule out any physical ailments which could be the cause of your symptoms. You should be able to answer all of the doctor's questions honestly and completely. You might be asked to keep a journal about your feelings and thoughts or if you wish to bring your family member or a friend to the assessment interview. Your doctor might perform other laboratory tests, like urine tests or blood tests. Psychological testing, or questionnaires, are often used as part of the mental health assessment. These tests are useful for evaluating your thinking and mood and also how you interact with others. These tests are usually in the form of a written or oral questionnaire. It is recommended to try to complete these tests prior to your appointment so that you can discuss them with your doctor. Other assessments employ rating systems that give doctors an extensive overview of your emotional state. These tools can help you identify symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. They can also be helpful in assessing the underlying condition such as dementia or other neurological disorders. A psychiatric assessment includes an interview with your doctor and could also include psychotherapy such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), which can be helpful in the treatment of trauma. In some cases your psychiatric problem could be so severe that it needs hospitalization in an inpatient or mental health facility, or a residential programs. The following is a list with preventions. A mental health assessment can be a first step to help prevent a mental disorder getting worse. It can also be used to help with treatment, since it gives a clear picture of what's going on in the person's mind and body. People who get an assessment of their mental health are more likely to start receiving help for their problems earlier, which will increase their chances of recovery. Based on the reason for the test There are a variety of ways to conduct the assessment. For instance, a child might be asked to keep a journal of how they are feeling for a few days or to inquire with family and friends about how they behave. For adults, the doctor may use a written questionnaire or even interview the person to determine what they feel. They can also conduct more detailed tests, such the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. The results of an assessment of mental health can be used to determine whether someone should be seen by a specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. If the test shows symptoms of a mental illness, the doctor will provide advice on how to treat it. They will often suggest therapy. If the condition isn't addressed, it may affect the way a person thinks and behaves, resulting in poor quality of life and even suicide. Anyone suffering from a mental illness should see their GP if they have symptoms of depression or anxiety. If the symptoms persist for a long time it could lead to other health issues, such as physical issues or dementia. Anyone suffering from an ongoing medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease must also ensure that they are being examined for mood issues. It is not common for people to feel embarrassed or ashamed of seeking assistance for mental health issues, and some family members might have a negative view of people who seek therapy. This can make it difficult for people to find the support they require. To reduce stigma, practitioners can utilize Quenza's Understanding Mental Health Stigma Worksheet to help clients talk to their clients about the issue.