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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings help distinguish between common issues and clinical. They can also help people to recognize early signs of depression or anxiety, so treatment can be commenced before the problems become more grave. Set realistic goals for your visit like the description of your symptoms, obtaining a diagnosis and creating an action plan. Symptoms A mental health exam typically includes a questionnaire as well as a physical examination. Doctors may also ask about a person's past experiences and feelings. It is essential to be truthful and be able to answer the questions clearly. The doctor will likely keep a record of a patient's symptoms and behavior during the examination. They may even ask a friend or family member for details. It could be beneficial for a person to keep a record of their thoughts and feelings in the days or weeks before their appointment. They can bring this journal along to the examination or hand it to their doctor to review. It is also a good idea to prepare a list of any medicines they are taking, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications. If a person is experiencing mental health symptoms or signs, they should make an appointment with a doctor as soon as they can. Seeking help is especially important when the symptoms are causing major disruption to everyday life or make it difficult to maintain relationships. If a patient has tried to manage symptoms on their own, but failed, they should talk to their doctor about finding an expert to assist or a community resource. It's important to remember that seeking help for mental health issues isn't a sign weakness. It's actually a positive step towards healing. Many people are unaware that mental illness can present with physical symptoms. It is important to keep up with regular physical checks so that your doctor can check for any underlying conditions. Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health contributors and reviewed by a panel of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties). We strive to provide the most accurate, valuable, and reliable information that is possible. We use trusted third-party sources and link to them in the text or at the bottom of each article. This allows readers to make informed decisions regarding their health. We also have a team of editors and medical reviewers to ensure highest quality content. assessing mental health If you suffer from an illness like a headache or cold, you go to your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. When it comes to mental issues people often brush symptoms under the carpet and hope that they will disappear by themselves. The truth is that the mental health checkup can be as crucial as a physical health check-up. During the mental health assessment you will speak to your doctor or mental health professional about your behavior, feelings and problems. They will inquire about your home and work life, if you have family members or friends who could 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 the past, as well as if you have used alcohol or drugs. They will also want to learn about your religion and the goals you have for yourself in your life. Your doctor may conduct a thorough medical history and conduct a physical examination. They may also conduct tests in the lab to rule out physical conditions like an electrolyte imbalance or thyroid condition that could be the cause of your symptoms. During the consultation, your doctor will listen closely to your symptoms and examine your body language to determine what kind of disorder may be present. They will also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine the most appropriate diagnosis. In the course of a psychiatric or psychological evaluation the doctor will take into consideration all of this information to determine what treatment is best for you. They will also help you locate local resources for help. If your doctor suspects you have a serious mental illness and is able to confirm it, they will develop a treatment plan which could include medication, therapy, or counseling. They will suggest follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and determine how you're responding to treatment. They will also recommend an expert, if needed. Treatment Treatment can be beneficial for those suffering from mental illness. A psychiatrist, therapist, or psychologist can provide various treatments and medications to treat symptoms. Treatment is usually required if someone isn't functioning well enough in their everyday lives or if they are suicidal. Many sufferers are diagnosed with a mental disorder after visiting their primary care physician or a relative or family member recommends them to specialists. A medical exam could include questions about the patient's mood as well as sleep appetite, feelings, and other signs that could suggest a mental health issue. The patient could be asked about his or her past mental health background. The doctor may conduct brain scans or other lab tests based on the intensity and duration of the symptoms. If someone experiences changes in their eating or sleeping patterns These could be early indicators of anxiety or depression. Other indicators of mental health disorders include feeling depressed or hopeless or a fear of harming yourself or others. Mood and anxiety problems can have grave consequences, which is why it is crucial to discuss these issues during a check up. Psychiatrists are trained for the diagnosis of various psychological issues and mental illnesses. They can prescribe medication or other treatments. They may also recommend a lifestyle or self-care regime to manage symptoms. They may also teach strategies for coping, such as yoga and meditation. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating children, while others specialize in specific disorders like schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder. It is recommended to schedule mental health checkups with the same frequency as physical checksups. Mental health issues can lead to symptoms that are as severe as physical conditions, and can affect the life of an individual. Most health insurance plans cover mental health care and U.S. laws require that insurance companies don't charge higher coinsurance or copayments for psychiatric services than they do for other types of services. Follow-up Patients with mental health problems should follow up with their doctors the same way they would do with physical exams. They also require support from a professional network who can assist them in staying on track in their treatment. In the case of mental illness, this network may include nurses, counselors and psychologists. These providers should be located in the same office as the primary physician. This means that patients do not have to travel to a separate building or another part of the hospital to see them. The need for timely monitoring is particularly important for those with comorbid serious mental illness and chronic medical conditions. Research suggests that patients with a combination of mental and chronic medical health issues have higher rates of hospitalization and death than those with either condition alone. In addition the untreated medical conditions can cause psychiatric symptoms and increase the likelihood of suicide. In this regard, the HEDIS measure of a first follow-up visit within 7 days of the discharge from psychiatric care is important. The results of a recent study suggest that those who undergo this kind of follow-up are much more likely to seek outpatient services, including mental health care. This includes both medication compliance and psychotherapy sessions as well as assertive community treatment (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who underwent their first outpatient follow-up within seven days of psychiatric discharge were less likely to be hospitalized for any cause in the next six months than adults who didn't receive this kind of mental health follow-up. This was true for both schizophrenia and depression cohorts. However, the variations were minor and not statistically significant, indicating that there may be other factors at play. Patients who received a digital card that reminded them of their appointment, had a 9-point increase in attendance when compared with those who did not receive a reminder. Although the results of this study were not statistically significant, the results suggest that simple strategies can increase the chances that patients suffering from mental illness will keep their follow-up appointments. This is a crucial step to avoid unnecessary admissions and emergency department visits.