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Mental Health Assessment A mental health exam is an array of tests and questions. Your doctor will ask about your family history, medications and medical history and symptoms. They will also do a physical examination that is basic and may request lab tests like blood tests and thyroid function tests or toxicology tests. You could have written or verbal tests as well. These tests can include intelligence and cognitive functioning tests and measures of judgement, insight and looseness of associations. Symptoms If a health professional performs an assessment of your mental health, they will ask you various questions about your feelings and what has been going on. He may be interested in finding out whether you have a family history of mental illness, or your general health. The assessment is intended to give a doctor a picture about how you feel and think and also to identify any safety concerns. The questions may be written or verbal and are usually arranged in the form of an assessment questionnaire. Your health professional needs to be aware of your general life situations. This includes your job, your relationships, and whether you have family members living with you. They'll likely be interested in any traumatic events you have encountered in your life and if you have any problems with alcohol or drugs. They'll be looking to determine whether there's a risk to you or others. They may also take a sample of blood to determine if there are any substances in your body. Certain tests are frequently used during a mental assessment for example, the Hamilton Rating Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory. These tests test a variety of symptoms and offer an easy and quick method for health care providers to evaluate the patient's mood, thinking skills, behavior and memory. Other tests are able to be used to diagnose specific problems. For example, the Mini Mental State Examination can be used to determine a person's awareness level. During a mental health evaluation, a variety of tests may be used. This includes physical examinations (to look for any underlying medical conditions), toxicology screenings, and laboratory tests (blood tests or urine tests to determine whether there are any substances present in the body). Some people keep a journal to record their feelings. This is helpful when they need to share information with their counselor. Some individuals bring a friend or a therapist to their appointment. This can be helpful if they feel uncomfortable discussing their feelings or if the information is sensitive. If you are unhappy with the treatment you're receiving, or you believe the doctor has not taken all your concerns seriously, let them know so. The majority of NHS services have a complaints procedure, and your care coordinator or GP should be able to assist you or contact the charity Rethink for help. Diagnosis A mental health assessment is the initial step in diagnosing an illness of the mind. Once you've been diagnosed your doctor can decide the best treatment strategy for you. You may require a combination of treatments, like therapy and medication. Certain disorders are temporary and disappear on their own, whereas others are chronic in the nature. A diagnosis is crucial in many ways, including 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 in the workplace under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The diagnosis is a complex procedure that requires a careful consideration of the patient's ailments, and how they affect their lives. Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mood and how you feel throughout the day, while taking into consideration any issues that are occurring in your workplace or family. A physical exam may be done to see whether your symptoms are a result of bodily illness. Some symptoms may require additional tests or examinations, such as urine or blood samples, MRIs, or EEG scans. Questionnaires and rating scales are some of the tools doctors use to determine a patient's symptomatology. These tools are geared towards specific illnesses and aid in identifying possible illnesses. However, they do not consider all the biological, psychological, and sociological factors that may influence the patient's psychiatric situation. A general conversation will be conducted with the patient, which could include a detailed description of their thoughts and feelings. The doctor will inquire about the medical history of the patient's family, any medications they are currently taking, and if they take any herbal or dietary supplements that may affect mental health. If the symptoms are severe, the patient may need to be admitted as an inpatient for additional care. Alternatively, the doctor may recommend outpatient therapy and medication instead. If your doctor believes they are not qualified to diagnose your condition they should discuss the issue with you and decide whether a specialist's opinion is necessary. If about his agree, you may seek the referral of an additional psychiatrist in a mental health trust. Treatment Many times family members and friends notice symptoms that indicate mental illness. They could also be ones who assist the patient take the initial steps towards seeking treatment. While informational resources like books and the Internet can provide valuable information, nothing can take the place of a mental health evaluation by a trained professional. In the course of an evaluation your doctor will ask you questions about your feelings, thoughts and behavior. The doctor will look for indications of neurological disorders or depression. Your doctor will inquire about any previous psychiatric treatments you have received and whether you have an the history of mental illness in your family. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination and inquire about your medications. Your doctor will want to rule out physical conditions which could be the cause of your symptoms. Answer all questions honestly and completely. You may be asked to keep a journal about your feelings and thoughts or if you would like to bring someone from your family or friends to the interview. Your doctor may also conduct tests in the laboratory like bloodwork or a urine sample. In a mental health assessment questionnaires or psychological tests are frequently employed. These tests are helpful for measuring 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 a great idea to take these tests prior to your appointment so that you can discuss the results with your doctor. Other assessments use rating systems to provide doctors with a an extensive overview of your emotional state. These tools can be used to determine symptoms like anxiety, depression and Bipolar disorder. They can also be helpful in assessing underlying conditions such as dementia or other neurological diseases. A psychiatric evaluation includes an interview with your physician and may include psychotherapy such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is useful in treating trauma. In some instances, a psychiatric condition could be so severe it requires hospitalization at an institution for mental health. Prevention A mental health assessment can be a first step in prev enting the deterioration of a mental illness. It can be utilized to assist in treatment as it provides a clear picture of what's happening with the person's mind and body. Patients who have an assessment of their mental health are more likely to begin getting help for their problems sooner, which can improve their chances of regaining health. Based on the reason for the examination the assessment may require different methods to go about it. For example, a child might be required to keep a record of how they feel for a few days, or to ask friends and family about how they act. The doctor could ask the patient several questions or conduct an interview to see the way they feel. They can also conduct more in-depth tests, like the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. The results of the mental health assessment determine if a person needs to seek out a specialist, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. If the test reveals signs of mental illness, an expert will provide advice on how to handle it. They will usually recommend therapy. If the problem isn't addressed it can result in poor mental health and even suicide. People suffering from mental illness should consult their GP when they exhibit signs of anxiety or depression. If the symptoms persist for a long period of time, it could cause health issues, like physical ailments or dementia. People who have an ongoing medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease should ensure they are being checked for mood issues. Some people are embarrassed or embarrassed to seek help for a mental illness, and their family members may consider them to be a stigmatizing light. This can make it difficult for people to receive the help they need. To reduce stigma, professionals can use Quenza's Understanding Mental Health Stigma Worksheet to help clients talk to their clients about the issue.