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Mental Health Check Up Mental health screenings can help distinguish normal, age-appropriate issues from clinical ones. They can also help patients recognize early signs of depression or anxiety to ensure that treatment can be initiated before the problem becomes more serious. You'll need to establish reasonable goals for your appointment, like explaining your symptoms, learning an assessment and determining the best treatment plan. Symptoms A mental health exam typically includes a questionnaire as well as a physical examination. Doctors may also inquire about past experiences and feelings. Being honest and truthful in answering questions is essential. During the examination the doctor may take notes on a person's behavior and symptoms. They may also consult a family member for more information. A person can find it useful to keep a diary of their thoughts and feelings throughout the days or weeks before their appointment. initial mental health assessment can bring this journal with them to the appointment or hand it over to their doctor to read. It's also an ideal idea to make an inventory of all medicines they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. If you're experiencing mental health issues, it's crucial to schedule an appointment as soon as you can. The need for help is particularly crucial when the symptoms are causing major disruption to daily life or if they make it difficult to maintain relationships. If a person has tried to manage their symptoms on their own with no results, they should talk to their physician about getting an appointment with a specialist or seeking out community resources that can aid. It's important to keep in mind that seeking help for mental health problems isn't an indication of weakness. Rather, it's an important step towards healing. Many people are unaware that mental illness may manifest with physical symptoms. It's important to have regular physical exams, so that your doctor can check for any underlying illnesses. Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors and vetted by an expert panel of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of different specialties). We strive to provide the most accurate, valuable and objective information possible. We provide links to trusted third-party sources in the article text or at the end of every article. This assists readers in making informed decisions about their health. We also have a team of editors and medical reviewers to ensure highest quality content. Diagnosis If you are suffering from a cold or a headache and headache, you visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. When you have mental issues it is commonplace to sweep symptoms under the rug and believe that they'll go away by themselves. A mental health checkup can be as crucial as physical checkup. During the mental health evaluation, you will discuss with your doctor or a mental health professional about your behavior, feelings and issues. They will also ask you questions about your work and home life, if you have family or friends who form an important support system and how you deal with stress. They will ask if you have ever been in a traumatic circumstance and if alcohol or drugs are utilized. They'll also want hear about your religious beliefs and the goals you have for yourself in your life. Your doctor will likely conduct an examination of your body and collect an extensive medical history. They may also perform tests on your lab to rule out physical ailments such as an imbalance in electrolytes or thyroid disorder, as the cause of your symptoms. During the interview the doctor will listen to how you describe your symptoms and observe your body language for clues about what type of disorder you might be suffering from. They will also refer you to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to find an appropriate diagnosis. During the psychiatric or psychological assessment the doctor will take into consideration all of the information provided to determine what treatment is right for you. They can also help you locate local resources to support you. If your doctor suspects you have a serious mental illness then they will develop a treatment plan that could include therapy, medication or counseling. They will suggest follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and see how you are responding to treatment. If necessary, they'll refer you to a specialist. Treatment Treatment can be beneficial to those suffering from mental illness. A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist can provide a variety of therapies and medications to help patients manage their symptoms. A person may need treatment if they are unable to perform well in their everyday life or are suicidal. A lot of people are diagnosed as having a mental disorder after visiting their primary physician or being referred to an expert by a family member or friend. A medical exam may include questions regarding the patient's mood and sleep patterns, appetite, and other signs that may suggest a mental health issue. The patient could be asked about their past health background. Depending on the severity of the person's symptoms, the doctor may conduct lab tests or scans of the brain to determine if there are any physical causes. Changes in sleeping or eating habits could be a warning indicator of anxiety or depression. Other signs of a mental health problem include loss of interest in activities, feeling sad or gloomy or thinking about harming you or others. It is essential to discuss anxiety and mood disorders during an appointment because they could cause serious harm. Psychiatrists have been trained to diagnose mental disorders and psychological issues. They are able to prescribe medications and other treatments, and might recommend a specific lifestyle or self-care regimen to help manage symptoms. They can also teach strategies for coping, such as meditation and yoga. Some psychiatrists specialize in treating children, and some specialize in certain conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It is a good idea to schedule mental health checks with the same regularity as physical checkups. Symptoms of a mental health issue can be just as severe as those of physical ailments, and they can have a lasting impact on the individual's life. The majority of health insurance plans offer mental health services. U.S. law requires that insurance companies not charge higher copayments or coinsurance for psychiatric treatment than other services. Follow-up Like a physical examination patients suffering from mental illness must follow up with their doctors. They also need the support from a network of professionals who can assist them in staying in the right direction in their treatment. In the case mental illness, this could include counselors, psychologists and nurses. Ideally, these providers can be located in the same office or facility as the primary medical doctor. The patient will not have to travel across the hospital or to another building to see these providers. The need for timely follow-up is especially important for those suffering from comorbid severe mental illness as well as chronic general medical conditions. Research suggests that those who have a mix of chronic medical and mental health problems have higher rates of hospital admissions and death than those with either condition by themselves. Additionally the untreated medical conditions can lead to psychiatric symptoms and increase the likelihood of suicide. For this reason, the HEDIS measure of a first follow-up visit within 7 days of the discharge of a psychiatric patient is crucial. Recent research suggests that patients who receive this kind of follow-up will be more likely to seek outpatient treatment that includes mental health services. This includes psychotherapy, medication adherence sessions and assertive community therapy (ACT for schizophrenia). Adults who underwent their first outpatient follow-up within seven days after the discharge from a psychiatric hospital were less likely to be hospitalized due to any reason over the next six months than adults who didn't receive this type of mental health follow-up. This was true for both schizophrenia and depression cohorts. These differences were not statistically significant, and tiny, suggesting that different factors could be at play. Similarly, those who received a self-assessment form that reminded them of their appointment were 9 percentage points more likely to make their follow-up appointment than those who didn't. While the results of this study weren't statistically significant, the findings suggest that simple strategies can improve the odds that patients with mental health issues will keep their appointments. This is a significant measure to prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and readmissions.