Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings help distinguish between normal issues and clinical. They can also allow people to catch early symptoms of depression or anxiety, to ensure that treatment is initiated before the symptoms become grave. Set realistic goals for your visit, such as describing your symptoms, getting a diagnosis and creating a treatment plan. Symptoms A mental health exam typically includes a questionnaire and a physical examination. Doctors may also inquire about a person's past experiences and feelings. It's important to be truthful and answer the questions thoroughly. During the examination the doctor will likely keep a record of a patient's behavior and symptoms. They may also consult a family member for details. It can be helpful for a person to keep a diary of their thoughts and feelings during the weeks or days before their appointment. This journal can be taken to the examination, or it can be handed to the doctor to be read by their. It is also a good idea for them to make a list of all medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines. If you're suffering from mental health symptoms it is important to schedule an appointment immediately. Seeking help is especially important if the symptoms are causing a significant disruption in everyday life or make it difficult to maintain relationships. If someone has tried to manage their symptoms on their own, but without results, they should talk with their doctor about obtaining a referral for a specialist or seeking out community resources that can help. It's important to keep in mind that seeking assistance for mental health issues isn't an indication of weakness. It's actually a step towards healing. Many people are unaware that mental illness may manifest with physical symptoms. Therefore, it's crucial to undergo regular physical exams to ensure that a doctor is able to look for any underlying conditions that require treatment. Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors and vetted by a panel of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties). We strive to provide accurate, useful and reliable information. We rely on trusted third-party sources and link to them in the text or at the bottom of each article. This helps readers make informed health decisions. We also have a team of editorial and medical reviewers to ensure the highest quality content. Diagnosis When you have an illness like a headache or cold and headache, you visit your doctor for a precise diagnosis. When it comes to mental health issues, people tend to brush symptoms under the carpet and believe that they'll go away by themselves. A mental health exam can be as important as an annual physical checkup. During the mental health assessment, you will discuss with your physician or mental health professional about your behavior, feelings and problems. They will ask you about your home and work life, if you have family members or friends who can be a support, and how well you deal with stress. They'll be interested to know if have had any traumatic events in the past, and if you use drugs or alcohol. They'll also want to learn about your religion and the goals you set for yourself in your life. Your doctor is likely to conduct an examination of your body and take a detailed medical history. They will also likely do lab tests to rule out physical illnesses, like an imbalance in electrolytes or thyroid disorder that could be the cause of your symptoms. During the consultation, your doctor will listen carefully to your symptoms and examine your body language to determine the type of disorder may be present. They will also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine the appropriate diagnosis. During the psychiatric or psychological exam, your doctor will consider all of the information provided to decide what kind of treatment is best for you. They will also assist you to locate local resources for help. If your doctor thinks you suffer from a mental illness they will create plans for treatment which could include therapy, medication or counseling. They will recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and assess how you're responding to treatment. If necessary, they will refer you to an expert. Treatment Someone who is suffering from a mental health problem can benefit from treatment. A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist may provide many different treatments and medications to help people manage their 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 physician or a relative or family member sends them to a specialist. A medical exam could include questions regarding the patient's mood as well as sleep appetite, feelings, and other signs that could suggest a mental health issue. The patient may also be asked about their past mental health history. Based on the severity of the symptoms, the doctor may conduct a scan or lab test of the brain to determine if there are any physical causes. Changes in sleeping or eating habits could be a sign of depression or anxiety. Other signs of a mental health disorder include loss of enthusiasm for activities, feeling depressed or gloomy, or having thoughts about harming you or others. Mood and anxiety disorders can cause serious consequences, so it is crucial to talk about these issues during a health check up. Psychiatrists are trained for the diagnosis of various psychological problems and mental illnesses. They can prescribe medication and other treatments, and they may recommend a specific lifestyle or self-care regimen to treat symptoms. They can also help you develop techniques for coping, like meditation and yoga. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating children, while others specialize in certain illnesses like schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder. It is a good idea to schedule mental health checks to be scheduled with the same frequency as physical health checkups. Mental health issues can lead to symptoms that are as serious as physical ailments, and can have a lasting impact on the quality of life of a person. Many health insurance plans provide mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies do not charge higher copayments and coinsurance for psychiatric treatment than other services. Follow-up As with a physical checkup patients with mental health issues must follow up with their physicians. They also require the assistance from a network of professionals who can assist them in staying on the right track in their treatment. For patients suffering from mental illness, this network might include counselors, nurses and psychologists. These professionals should be situated within the same office as the primary doctor. The patient won't have to travel across the hospital or a different building to see these providers. The need for prompt follow-up is particularly crucial for people with comorbid serious mental illness and chronic general medical ailments. Research suggests that people suffering from a combination of chronic mental and medical issues are more likely to be hospitalized and eventually die than those with just one condition. Untreated medical conditions that are not treated can also lead to psychiatric problems and increase the risk for suicide. For this reason, the HEDIS measure of a first follow-up outpatient visit within seven days following the discharge from psychiatric care is important. The results of a recent study suggest that those who undergo this kind of follow-up are more likely to utilize outpatient services, including mental health care. This includes psychotherapy, medication adherence sessions and assertive community therapy (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who have received their first outpatient mental health check -up within 7 days of psychiatric discharge are less likely to be hospitalized during the next six months for any reason than those who don't receive this type of follow-up. This was the case for both depression and schizophrenia cohorts. However, the differences were not statistically significant, indicating that there may be other factors in play. In the same way, those who received a self-assessment card reminding them of their appointment were 9 percentage points more likely to attend their follow-up appointment than those who didn't. The results of this study, while not statistically significant in nature it suggests that simple methods could improve the likelihood that patients suffering from mental health issues can keep their appointments. This is a critical step to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits.
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