Mental Health Check Up
Screenings for mental health can help differentiate normal, age-appropriate concerns from those that are clinical. They can also help people to catch early symptoms of depression or anxiety, which means treatment can be initiated before the issues become grave.
Set realistic goals for your appointment, such as the description of your symptoms, obtaining an accurate diagnosis and establishing an action plan.
Signs and symptoms
A mental health check up typically consists of a questionnaire and a physical exam. Doctors might also inquire about a person's past experiences and feelings. It's important to be honest and be able to answer the questions clearly. During the examination the doctor may note down a person's behavior and symptoms. They might even consult a family member for details. It could be beneficial for someone to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings in the days or weeks before their appointment. The journal can be brought along to the examination or hand it to their doctor to read. It is also an excellent idea to keep a record of all medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines.
If you're experiencing mental health problems, it's important to make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. It is particularly important to seek help in cases where these symptoms are causing significant disruption to one's daily life or causing difficulties to maintain relationships with others. If the patient has tried to manage their symptoms on their own, but failed, they should talk to their doctor about finding specialists or community resources.
It's important to be aware that seeking assistance for mental health issues isn't an indication of weakness. It's actually an effective step towards healing. Most people aren't aware that mental illness may be accompanied by physical symptoms. It is essential to conduct regular physical exams so that your doctor can test for any underlying illnesses.
Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health contributors and reviewed by an expert panel of clinicians (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties). We strive to provide the most accurate, valuable and objective information we can. We rely on trusted third-party sources, and we provide links to them in the text or at the bottom of each article. This allows readers to make informed decisions about their health. We also have a team of editors and medical reviewers to ensure the top quality content.
Diagnosis
When you have a bad headache or cold, visit your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. However, when it comes down to mental health issues, a lot of people ignore the symptoms under the rug, hoping they will disappear by themselves. A mental health checkup could be as important as an annual physical exam.
During the assessment you'll be able to talk with your doctor or mental healthcare professional about your thoughts and behavior. They will inquire about your work and personal life, whether you have family members or friends who can be a source of support and how well you deal with stress.
They'll be interested in knowing if you have had any traumatic events in your past, and whether you are a user of drugs or alcohol. They will also ask about your religious beliefs, and what goals you have in life.
Your doctor will likely conduct an examination of your body and take a detailed medical history. They may also perform tests in the lab to rule out physical illnesses like an imbalance in electrolytes or thyroid condition, as the cause of your symptoms.
During the interview the doctor will pay attention to how you describe your symptoms, and also observe your body language to find clues as to what disorder you might be suffering from. They will also refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine the appropriate diagnosis.
When you undergo a psychiatric exam your doctor will review all of this information to decide what kind of treatment is best for you. They can also help you locate local resources that can assist you. If your doctor thinks you suffer from a mental disorder, they will make a plan for treatment that can include medication, therapy or counseling. They will suggest regular appointments to check on your progress and determine how you're responding to treatment. They will also refer you to an expert, if needed.
Treatment
A person who suffers from a mental health issue might benefit from a treatment. A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist can provide a variety of therapies and medications that can help patients manage their symptoms. Treatment is often required when the patient isn't functioning properly in their daily life or if they are suicidal. A lot of people are diagnosed as having mental illness after seeing their primary doctor or being directed to a specialist by a family member or friend.
A medical check-up may include questions about the patient's mood and sleep patterns, appetite, feelings and other signs that may indicate a mental illness. The person might be asked about their past mental health history. Depending on the severity of the person's symptoms, the doctor may perform lab tests or scans of the brain to rule out any physical causes.
Changes in sleeping or eating habits can be a warning indicator of anxiety or depression. Other indicators of mental health disorders are feeling depressed or hopeless or thinking of harming yourself or others. Mood and anxiety problems can have serious harm, so it is essential to discuss these issues during a exam.
Psychiatrists are trained to make the diagnosis of various psychological disorders and mental illnesses. They are able to prescribe medications and other treatments, and might recommend a specific lifestyle or self-care regimen to treat symptoms. They can also teach strategies for coping, like yoga and meditation. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating children while others specialize in certain conditions such as schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder.
It is a good idea to schedule mental health screenings to be scheduled with the same frequency as physical health checkups. Mental health issues can lead to symptoms that are as severe as physical conditions, and can cause lasting effects on a person's life. The majority of health insurance plans offer mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies don't charge higher coinsurance and copayments for psychiatric treatment than other services.
Follow-up
Patients with mental health problems should be following up with their physicians the same way they would do with physical examinations. But they also need the support of a network of experts to help them keep their treatment on track. For patients suffering from mental illness, this network may include nurses, counselors and psychologists. These professionals should be situated within the same office as the primary doctor. This way, the patient doesn't have to travel to a different building or a different area of the hospital in order to see them.
Patients with severe mental illness and chronic medical conditions should be followed up promptly. Research suggests that people suffering from multiple chronic mental and medical issues are more likely to be admitted to hospital and die as compared to those who only have one condition. Untreated medical conditions can result in psychiatric disorders and increase the risk for suicide.
The HEDIS measure that requires a follow-up visit to an outpatient within seven days after the discharge of a psychiatric patient is of great importance. Recent research suggests that patients who receive this kind of follow-up are more likely to seek outpatient care, including mental health services. This includes both medication compliance and psychotherapy sessions, as well as assertive community treatment (ACT, which is a treatment for schizophrenia).
Adults who had their first outpatient mental health check-up within 7 days after a psychiatric discharge are less likely to be hospitalized in the following six months for any reason than adults who do not receive this type follow-up. This was the case for both schizophrenia and depression groups. These differences were not statistically significant and tiny, suggesting that different factors could be at play.
In the same way those who received a self-assessment card that reminded them of their appointment were 9 percentage points more likely to attend their follow-up appointment than those who didn't. Although the results of this study were not statistically significant, the results suggest that simple strategies can improve the likelihood that patients with mental health issues will attend their follow-up appointments. mental health assessments for adults is a crucial step to avoid unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.